FRANCIS'S 
ST  HANGER'S 

HAND-BOOK 

FOR  THE 
CITY  OF  JNEW  YORK 


lEx  Htbris 


SEYMOUR  DURST 


IVben  you  leave,  please  leave  this  book 

Because  it  has  been  said 
" Sver'tbincj  comes  t'  bim  vobo  waits 

Except  a  loaned  book." 


.X. 


**** 


f 


FRANCIS'S 

NEW  GUIDE 

TO  THE  CITIES  OP 

NEW-YORK  AND  BROOKLYN, 

AND  THE  VICINITY: 

GIVING  A  FULL 

DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  METROPOLIS  AND  ITS  ENVIRONS, 
WITH  A  PARTICULAR  ACCOUNT  OF 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS,  INSTITUTIONS  OF  BENEVOLENCE,  LEARN- 
ING, SCIENCE,  ART,    LITERATURE,  BUSINESS  AND 
RECREATION, 

Cfjurcfjcs,  hotels,  Banfts,  E^catrcs,  &t., 

TADLBS  OF  DISTANCE,  AND  THE  VARIOUS  METHODS  OF  CONVEYANCE 
IN  AND  FROM  THE  CITIES   AND  THE  NEIGHBORHOOD. 

WITH  MAM,  AND  NUMEROUS  ENGRAVINGS. 

NEW- YORK : 
C.  S.  FRANCIS  &  CO.,  252  BROADWAY. 
1856. 


S 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1853,  by 
C.  S.  FKANCIS  A  CO., 
In  the  Clerk'a  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  Um 
Southern  District  of  Sew- York. 


CONTENTS. 


FAQS 

Early  History  of  New- York  *.....  13 

Bird's-Eye  View   21 

Environs  of  New- York   28 

Public  Buildings   38 

miscellaneous  places  worth  visiting   51 

Public  Squares   62,124 

Principal  Benevolent  Institutions   65,  121 

Literary  Institutions   73 

Theological  Institutions   75 

Medical  Institutions   76 

Mechanics'  Institutions   76 

Picture  Galleries  and  Institutions  of  the  Fink 

Arts   77 

Daguerreotypes   79 

Places  ok  Amusement.   80 

Hotels   85 

Private  Residences   89 

Markets   91 

The  Novelty  Works   93 

The  Ferries   94 

Railroads   96 

Omnibuses  and  Rail-buses  97,  129,  131 

Expresses   98 

Hackney- Coaches   99 

The  Churches  of  New- York   102 

Summary  of  Congregations.   102 

New- York  Pulpit    103 

Description  of  Churches   105 

Education — Public  and  "Ward  "Schools   117 

Antiquities  of  New-York   119 


iv 


CONTKKTO. 


Banks   120 

Benevolent  Societies   121 

Miscellaneous  Items   124 

OMNIUMS  KoUTKS  AND  ClTY  CaRS   129,  181 

Location  of  Piers   132 

Taiileb  Of  Dlstances  in  XeW-Y('RK  and  Bkook- 

ltn  127,128,148 

The  Crystal  Palace.   133 

City  ok  Brooklyn   137 

Churches  in  Brooklyn   142 

Greenwood  Cemetery.  ....    147 


LIST  OF  ENGRAVINGS. 


View  in  Broadway  (Frontis.) 
t.  Distributing  Reservoir,  51 
8.  Sir  II.  Clinton's  House,  SO 

4.  City  Hall,  39 

5.  Halls  of  Justice,  40 

6.  Custom- 1  louse,  41 

7.  Merchants'  Exchange,  42 

8.  New-York  University,  44 

9.  Free  Academy,  45 

10.  Astor  Library,  46 

11.  New  Bible  House,  48 

12.  State  Arsenal,  54 

18.  Asylum  for  the  Blind,  69 

14.  Asylum  for  Orphans,  69 

15.  Penitentiary,  71 

16.  Trinity  Church,  105 

17.  St.  Mark's  Church,  106 

18.  Baptist  Church,  109 


19.  St.  Patrick's  Cathedral,  109 

20.  Dutch  Reformed  Church,  112 

21.  Fourth  Universalis!  Church,  112 

22.  Presbyterian  Church,  113 

23.  Church  of  Messiah,  113 

24.  St.  Thomas's  Church,  114 

25.  Floating  Chapel,  114 

26.  Ch.  of  Holy  Communion,  115 

27.  French  Church,  116 
28  Synagogue,  117 

1 29.  Frankfort  street  Church,  119 
;  30.  Walton  House,  119 

31.  Old  Dutch  House,  120 
,  32.  Union  and  National  Banks,  120 
;  33.  Crystal  Palace,  188 

34  Bookstore,  136 

35.  Church  of  the  Saviour,  148 

36.  Shield's  Monument,  147 


INDEX. 


Academy,  Free,  45 
Academy,  National,  of  Design,  77 
Albany  Boats,  95,  96 
Almshouse  Department,  72 
Amusement,  Places  of,  SO 

ANTIQUITIES  OF  NEW-YORK,  119 

Arsenal,  54 

Association,  Young  Men's  Chris- 
tian, 70 

Astoria,  29,  95 

Astor  Library,  46 

Asylum  for  Aged  Females,  69 

Asylum  for  Insane,  69 

Asylum,  Leake  and  Watts'  Or- 
phan, 69 

Asylum,  Magdalen,  69 

Asylum,  New  - York  Orphan,  69 

Assay  Office,  43 

Basks,  120 

Battery,  62 

Bible  House,  4S 

Bird's-Eye  View,  21 

Blackwell's  Island,  71 

Blind,  Institution  for,  68 

Bloomingda'e,  32 

Bookstore,  136 

Bowling  Green,  63 

Bridge,  High,  54 

British  Emigrant  Board,  121 

Brooklyn,  City  of,  137 

Buildings,  Public,  38 

Cars,  City,  131 
Cemetery,  Greenwood,  147 


Churches  in  New-Ycirk,  102 
Baptist,  First,  109 
Dutch  Reformed,  111,  112 
Floating  Chapel,  114 
French  Church,  11G 
Grace  Church,  110 
Holy  Communion,  Church  of 
the,  115 

Holy  Redeemer,  Church  of  the, 
109 

Jews'  Synagogues,  116 
Messiah,  Church  of  the,  113 
Presbyterian,  Fifth  Avenue,  116 
Presbyterian,  First,  110 
Presbyterian,  University  PI.,  113 
St.  George's,  107 
St  John's  Chapel,  ICS 
St.  Mark's,  106 
St.  Patrick's  Cathedral,  109 
St.  Paul's  Chapel,  107 
St.  Thomas',  114 
Trinity  Chapel,  117 
Trinity  Church,  105 
Universalist,  Fourth,  112 
Church,  an  old,  119 
Churches  in  Brooklyn,  142 
Christ's  Church,  144 
Dutch  Reformed,  144,  145 
Grace  Church,  143 
Holy  Trinity,  Church  of  the,  142 
Pilgrims,  Church  of  the,  142 
Plymouth  Church,  145 
Presbyterian,  First,  145 
Presbyterian,  Second,  146 


vi 


INDEX. 


Saviour,  Church  of  the,  143 
St.  A i.i,'-,  146 
Climate,  23 

Cohosh,  Hackney,  99 

College,  Columbia,  45 
College,  New-York  Medical,  76 
College  of  Physicians  and  Sur- 
geons, 75 
Co.\<iiti:<;.»iiuss,  Soim  uiyoe,  102,142 

DACOERRwrrYPES,  79 

Deaf  and  Dumb,  Institution  for,  6S 

Deannan,  36 

Description,    General,    of  New- 
York,  26 
Dispensary,  Demilt,  07 
Dispensary,  Astern,  67 
Dispensary,  New- York,  07 
Disjiensary,  Northern,  67 
Distances,  Tables  ok,  127, 123, 143 
Dobb's  Ferry,  86 
Dock,  Atlantic,  141 
Dock,  Naval  Dry,  61, 141 
Dock,  Sectional,  59 
Dusseldorf  Gallery,  78 

Early  History  of  New-York,  13 
Edocatio.n,  117 
Klizabethport,  34 
Klizabethtown,  33 
Environs  ok  New-York,  28 
Exchange,  Merchants',  42 
Excursions,  36 
Express!.*,  'Ji 

Ferries,  94 

Fire  Department,  New- York,  123 
Flatbush,  30 
Flushing,  29 
Fort  Hamilton,  30 
F'ort  Lee,  35 

F'orts  and  Fortifications,  60, 139 

Galleries,  Picture,  77 
Gallery,  Bryan,  78 
Gallery,  Dusseldorf,  78 
Garden,  Castle,  82 
Greenwood  Cemetery,  147 

Hall,  City,  33,  139 
ilM  of  Records,  40 
Halls  of  Justice,  40 
Harlem,  32 
Harsimus,  31 
Hastings,  36 


nippodrome,  Franconi's,  88 
History,  Early,  ok  New-York,  IS 

Hoboken,  31 
Horses,  Census  of,  124 
Hospital,  New- York,  65 
Hospital,  Quarantine,  67 
Hotels  in  New- York,  85 

Astor  House,  86 

Bixby's,  86 

Clarendon,  87 

French's,  80 

Irving,  86 

Kemble,  S3 

La  Farge,  88 

Metropolitan,  86 

Prescott,  88 

St.  Denis,  83 

St.  Nicholas,  S7 
Hotels  in  Brooklyn,  140 
House,  An  Old  Dutch,  120 
House,  An  Elegant  Private,  141 

IssTiTCTioxs,  Benevolent,  05,  121 
(See  under  Asylum,  Dispensary, 
Hospital,  and  Societies.) 

Institutions,  Literary,  73 
(See  under  College,  Library,  and 
Lyceum  ) 

Institutions,  Medical,  75 

Institutions,  Mechanics',  76 

Institute,  American,  76 

Institute,  Mechanics',  77 

Institute,  New-York  Law,  74 

Islands,  Blackwell's,  Ward's,  and 
Randall's,  71 

Island,  Staten,  30 

Items,  Miscellaneous,  124 

Jamaica,  29 
Jersey  City,  31 

Landscape  Painters,  78 
Library,  Apprentices',  46 
Library,  Astor,  46 
Library,  Mercantile,  73 
Lyceum  of  Natural  History,  74 
Lyceum,  Wallack's,  81 
Lyceum,  Brooklyn,  140 

Manhattanville,  32 
Mansion,  An  Old,  119 
Markets  is  New- York,  91 
Market,  Catherine,  92 

Centre,  92 

Chelsea,  92 


INDEX. 


vii 


Market,  Fulton,  92 

Jefferson,  93 

Tompkins,  93 

Washington,  92 
Miniature  Painters,  78 
Minstrels,  Christy's,  85 
Minstrels,  Wood's,  85 
Museum,  Barnum's  American,  81 
Museum,  Egyptian,  S2 

Navy  Yard,  141 
Newark,  32 
New-Brighton,  30 
New-Brunswick,  34 
Newspapers,  New- York,  101 
Niblo's  Opera-House,  81 
Novelty  Works,  93 

Observatory,  The  Latting,  83 
Omnibuses  and  Kail-buses,  97, 129, 
131 

Omnibus  Routes,  131 
Opera-House,  Niblo's,  84 
Oysteries,  91 

Packet  and  Clipper  Ships,  5S 
Palace,  Tue  Crystal,  133 
Park,  The,  62 
Park,  Gramercy,  65 
Park,  Union,  64 
Parks,  other  City,  125 
Passaic  Falls  and  Paterson,  34 
Pavements,  124 
Perth  Amboy,  35 
Piermont,  36 
Piers,  Location  of,  132 
Places,  Miscellaneous,  worth  vis- 
iting, 51 
Porters,  Public,  99 
Portrait  Painters,  78 
Post  Office,  43, 139 
Printing  Office,  The  Tribune,  101 
Pulpit,  The  New- York,  luS 

Eahway,  33 
Railroad,  Harlem,  97 

Hudson  River,  96 

New- York  and  New-Haven.  97 

Long  Island,  148 
Rail-Cars,  City,  131 
Refectories,  91 
Residences,  Private,  89 
Restaurant  Saloons,  90 
River  Boats,  5S,  95 
Rockaway  Beacb,  29 


Rotunda,  43 

Schools,  Public  and  Ward,  117 
School,  University  Medical,  75 
Seminary,  Theological,  Protestant 

Episcopal,  75 
Seminary,  Theological,  Union,  75 
Ship  Yards,  59 

Societies,  Benevolent,  65, 121 

British  Protection  Emigrant 
Board, 121 

French  Benevolent,  121 

German  Benevolent,  121 

German  Mutual  Assistance,  121 

German,  of  the  City  of  New- 
York,  122 

Hebrew,  Benevolent,  122 

Hibernian,  122 

I.  O.  of  0.  F.,  121 

Irish  Emigrant,  122 

Italian  Benevolent,  122 

Marine,  122 

New-England,  122 

New- York  Historical,  74 

St.  Andrew's,  123 

St.  David's,  123 

St.  George's,  123 

St.  Nicholas,  123 

St.  Patrick,  Friendly  Sons  of,  121 
Squares,  Public,  62, 124 

Hudson,  63 

Stuyvesant,  65 

Tompkins,  64 

Washington,  64 
Stage  Lines,  127 
Steam  Marine,  55 

Theatre,  Bowery,  SO 

Broadway,  80 

Burton's,  SI 
Theological  Institutions,  73 

University  of  the  City  of  New- 
York,  44 
University  Medical  School,  75 

Wallack's  Lyceum,  81 
Wards,  Boundaries  of,  125 
Washing  and  Bathing  Establish- 
ment, 70 
Weehawken,  32 
Williamsburg,  28 

Yonkers,  35 

Young  Men's  Christian  Associa- 
tion, 70 


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A  SKETCH 

or  THE 

(fctrl]i  piston)  of  |teiir-|ork  Citg; 


T  was  the  custom 
of  the  Atlantic 
tribes  of  North 
American  Indians 
to  resort  to  the  sea- 
coast  during  the  summer 
months,  where  they  spent 
their  time  in  the  peaee- 
^  ful  employments  of  hunt- 
ing and  fishing;  leaving  the 
sterner  occupations  of  war  for 
the  secret  ambushes  of  the 
interior  forests.  They  gener- 
ally selected  for  their  sum- 
mer residences  some  place  easy 
of  access,  and  immediately 
contiguous  to  their  sporting 
grounds.  The  island  of  New-York,  or,  as  it  was  called  by 
the  natives,  Manhattan,  was  a  favorite  resort  of  the  Hud- 
eon  river  tribes.  Abundant  evidence  of  this  fact  is  found 
in  the  history  of  its  first  discovery,  and  the  indestructible 
relics  that  every  where  abound,  buried  in  the  ground. 
Excavations  in  the  primitive  soil  often  expose  large  quan- 
tities of  shells,  the  remnants  of  their  "clam-bakes;"  and 
various  specimens  of  arrow-heads,  stone  axes  and  chisels, 
are  found  in  the  upper  parts  of  the  island. 

From  their  temporary  villages  they  went  forth  in  search 
of  game ;  and  long  before  the  white  man  came,  the  expan- 
sive bay  that  now  reflects  the  sails  of  a  hundred  nations, 
was  dotted  by  the  humble  canoes  of  a  race  whose  very  name 
2 


14 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


has  long  been  lost  to  history.  The  ground  that  now  sus- 
tains a  million  of  inhabitants  then  hid  in  its  forest  shades 
the  dusky  forms  of  a  few  hundred  wild  men ;  and  the 
waters  that  are  now  burdened  with  the  commerce  of  the 
world  were  then  timidly  navigated  by  the  birchen  canoe 
of  a  rate  who  never  ventured  beyond  the  protection  of 
their  inland  bounds.  On  the  2d  of  September,  1009,  a 
beautiful  autumn  day,  the  adventurous  bark  of  Henry  Hud- 
sou  made  its  appearance  in  the  lower  harbor.  Hie  In- 
dians, whose  fishing-canoes  were  scattered  about  in  every 
direction,  attacked  one  of  his  boats  which  was  sent  out  to 
fish,  and  killed  its  commander.  They  buried  him  on  an 
island  which  was  named  after  him,  Column's  Island,  now 
degenerated  into  Coney  Island. 

After  this,  these  Indians  became  more  friendly,  and  came 
on  board,  where  they  exchanged  tobacco  and  Indian  corn 
for  trinkets.  Hudson  passed  up  with  his  vessel  (the  Half 
Moon)  as  far  as  the  present  site  of  Albany,  and  then  re- 
turned to  Manhattan;  and  after  sometimes  trading  with 
the  natives,  and  sometimes  killing  them,  he  went  back  to 
Europe  again.  His  mutinous  men  forced  him  to  go  to 
England  instead  of  Holland,  from  whence  he  came.  The 
British  Government,  which  had  formerly  driven  him  from 
their  service,  now  detained  him,  and  in  a  subsequent  voy- 
age to  North  America,  he  was  set  adrift  by  his  crew  in  an 
open  boat,  with  his  young  son  and  seven  others,  without 
compass  or  food,  and  never  heard  of  after.  This  was 
brought  about  through  the  treacherous  agency  of  one  of 
his  men,  whom  he  had  formerly  befriended,  under  circum- 
stances that  claimed  lasting  gratitude.  Hudson  was  a  bold 
and  skilful  navigator,  and  had  formerly  distinguished  him- 
self in  his  attempts  to  discover  a  north-west  passage  to 
the  East  Indies. 

The  Dutch,  finding  that  they  could  get  furs  of  the  North 
American  Indians,  sent  out  another  ship  to  New-York,  to 
trade  with  them;  and  in  1614,  the  Dutch  Government  en- 
couraged a  companv  of  merchants,  and  licensed  them  as 
the  "  West  India  Company."  Soon  after  this  the  company 
sent  out  two  ships,  one  of  which  was  accidentally  burned, 
but  was  replaced  by  another,  which  was  built  by  her  com- 
mander on  the  East  river.  After  sailing  along  the  coast  to 
Martha's  Vineyard,  they  returned  to  the  Hudson  river,  and 


EARLY  HISTORY. 


15 


proceeded  up  to  Castle  Island,  near  Albany,  'where  they 
commenced  a  settlement.  For  many  years  after  this  first 
settlement,  Albany  was  the  remotest  point  of  interior  civili- 
zation. In  1614,  a  fort  was  built  on  Manhattan  Island;  a 
few  huts  were  soon  added,  to  accommodate  the  settlers 
who  traded  with  the  Indians.  This  fort  was  just  in  the 
rear  of  the  present  site  of  Trinity  Church,  on  the  immedi- 
ate bank  of  the  river:  the  tide  then  came  up  to  where  the 
western  wall  of  the  churchyard  now  stands.  In  1751,  some 
workmen  digging  in  the  bank,  back  of  the  church,  dis- 
covered a  stone  wall,  which  occasioned  great  wonder  at 
first,  but  was  soon  ascertained  to  be  the  remnants  if  the 
long-forgotten  fort.  In  1621,  the  Dutch  Government  gave 
the  New-Netherlands  to  their  West  India  Company.  The 
territory  so  denominated  extended  from  Delaware  river  to 
Cape  Cod.  In  1623,  they  built  a  new  fort,  which  stood  on 
the  ground  now  occupied  by  the  Bowling  Green,  then  a 
high  mound  of  earth,  overlooking  an  extensive  ledge  of 
rocks,  the  site  of  the  present  Battery. 

There  is  every  indication  that  New- York  was  in  primi- 
tive days  the  "  city  of  hills" — such  verdant  hills,  of  succes- 
sive undulation,  as  the  general  state  of  the  whole  country 
part  of  the  island  now  presents.  The  hills  were  sometimes 
precipitous,  as  from  Beekman's  and  Peck's  Hills,  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Pearl,  Beekman  and  Ferry  streets,  and 
from  the  Middle  Dutch  Church,  the  building  now  conver- 
ted into  the  Post  Office,  in  Nassau  street,  down  to  Mai- 
den Lane ;  and  sometimes  gradually  sloping,  as  on  cither 
hills  along  the  line  of  the  water,  near  Maiden  Lane.  The 
water  flowed  in  between  many  of  the  hills,  such  as  "the 
canal,"  so  called  to  gratify  Dutch  recollections,  which 
was  an  inlet  up  Broad  street.  Up  Maiden  Lane  flowed 
another  inroad.  A  little  beyond  Peck's  Slip  existed  a  low 
water-course,  which  in  high  water  ran  quite  up  in  union 
with  the  Collect,  (Kolck,)  and  then  joining  with  Lispenard's 
swamp  on  North  river  side,  produced  a  union  of  waters 
quite  across  the  city;  thus  converting  it  occasionally  into  an 
island.  Boats  were  used  occasionally  to  carry  the  foot 
passengers  from  either  side  of  the  high  rising  ground  rang- 
ing on  both  sides  of  Pearl  street. 

Part  of  the  people  who  came  out  in  the  Tea  Company's 
ships  settled,  in  1625,  on  an  island,  at  what  is  now  called 


18 


CITY  OF  KETT-YOP.K. 


the  Wallabout,  n  word  importing  Che  waloon  bend.  About 
thistime  wefind  intlie  public  records,  that  "  Paulus  Hook  " 
was  sold  by  Gov.  Keift  to  Abraham  Isaacs  Flank  for  450 
guilders.  l'or  scandalizing  the  Governor,  one  Ilendriek 
Jnneson,  in  1  G«8,  was  sentenced  to  stand  at  the  foil  door 
at  the  ringing  of  the  bell,  and  ask  the  Governor's  pardon.' 

On  the  Gth  of  August,  1038,  two  persons  were  appointed 
to  inspect  "tobacco  cultivated  here  for  exportation;"  and 
on  the  l'lth  of  the  same  month  it  was  ordered,  that  in  con- 
sideration of  "the  hid)  character  it  had  obtained  in  foreign 
countries/'  any  adulteration  should  be  punished  witli  a 
heavy  penalty.  In  1041,  a  cattle  fair  was  established,  to 
be  held  annually  on  the  loth  of  October. 

The  lands  on  "  York  Island,"  without  the  bounds  of  the 
town  wall-,  alone  Wall  street,  were  either  used  for  public 
grazing  grounds  for  the  town  cows,  sheep  or  swine,  or  else 
lor  the  Governor's  farms,  under  the  name  of  Bouwer\a. 
The  liouweiy  or  fanu  sold  to  Governor  Stuyvesant  in  1031, 
now  so  valuable  as  building  lots  in  the  hands  of  his  de- 
scendant, was  originally  purchased  by  him  for  0,400  guil- 
der-, f£i,o00;)  an,i  having,  besides  the  land,  "a  dwelling- 
house,  barn,  reek-lands,  six  cows,  two  horses  and  two 
young  negroes." 

On  another  farm  the  company  erected  a  wint  molcn 
(wind-millj  for  the  use  of  the  town.  Its  site  wac  neat  the 
"Broadway,"  between  the  present  Liberty  and  Courtlandt 
streets.  The  first  having  decayed,  it  was  ordered,  in  1002, 
that  there  be  another  on  the  same  ground,  "outside  of  the 
city  land-port  (gate)  on  the  company's  farm." 

In  1GC3,  all  the  carmen  of  the  city,  to  the  number  of 
twenty,  ordered  to  be  enrolled,  and  to  draw  for  Hd.  an  or- 
dinary load,  and  to  remove  weekly  from  the  city  the  dirt 
of  the  streets  at  Zd.  n  load. 

In  1676,  the  rates  of  tavern  fare  were  thus  ordered :  For 
lodging,  'Ad. ;  for  meals,  M. ;  brandy  per  gill,  (,d. ;  and  cider 
per  quart.  Ad.  In  1670,  all  the  inhabitants  living  in  the 
street  called  the  Here  Graft  (now  Broad  street)  were  re- 
quired "to  fill  up  the  graft,  ditch  or  common  shore,  and 
level  the  same."  In  this  same  year  are  given  the  names  of 
all  the  then  property-holders,  amounting  to  only  300  names, 
and  "assessed  at  U  dollars  a  pound  on  £99,695." 

Luke  Lancton,  in  1083,  was  made  "collector  of  customs 


EARLY  HISTORY. 


17 


at  the  custom-house  near  the  bridge,  and  none  shall  un- 
load but  at  the  bridge."  The  house  called  "Stuyvesant 
Huys,"  at  the  north-west  corner  of  present  Front  and  Moore 
streets,  was  then  called  the  "  custom-house." 

In  1683,  it  was  ordered  that  "no  youthes,  maydes,  or 
other  persons  may  meete  together  on  the  Lord's  day,  for 
sport  or  play,  under  fine  of  Is."  "  No  more  than  four  In- 
dian or  negro  slaves  may  assemble  together.'  In  1683, 
the  vessels  and  boats  of  the  port  were  enrolled  as  follows : 
3  barques,  3  brigantines,  26  sloops,  and  4o  open  boats. 
The  old  Dutch  records  show  that  all  the  rear  of  the  town 
was  divided  into  farms  called  "  Bouwerys,"  from  whence 
we  have  Bowery  now.  In  1687,  sixteen  acres  of  the  Basse 
Bowery  was  granted  to  Arien  Cornelisson,  for  the  consid- 
eration of  one  fat  capon  a  year.  In  1095,  the  celebrated 
Capt.  Eidd  came  to  New-York  to  see  his  wife.  He  soon 
after  this  commenced  his  piracies,  and  continued  them  till 
1699,  when  he  visited  Long  Island  Sound,  and  made  several 
deposits  of  mouey  on  the  shores.  One  of  these  deposits 
was  discovered  a  few  years  since  by  some  laborers,  while 
digging  on  the  shores  of  the  East  river.  Kidd  was  decoyed 
to  Boston,  where  he  wa9  arrested,  sent  to  England,  and 
hung  in  1701. 

In  1698,  the  Council  agreed  to  build  the  "new  City 
Hall,"  by  the  head  of  Broad  street,  for  £3,000 ;  the  same 
afterwards  the  Congress  Hall,  on  the  corner  of  Wall  street. 

In  1699,  they  sold  the  old  City  Hall  to  John  Rodman 
for  £920,  reserving  only  "the  bell,  the  king's  arms,  and 
iron  works  [fetters,  <tc]  belonging  to  the  prison,"  and 
granting  leave  also  to  allow  the  "cage,  pillory  and  stocks 
before  the  same  to  be  removed  within  one  year;  and  the  pri- 
soners in  said  jail  within  the  said  City  Hall,  to  remain  one 
month." 

The  celebrated  Negro  Plot,  in  1741,  occurred  when  there 
were  about  ten  thousand  inhabitants  in  the  city,  of  which 
one  sixth  part  were  negro  slaves.  After  the  lapse  of  a 
century,  we  look  back  with  astonishment  on  the  panic 
occasioned  by  these  conspiracies,  and  the  rancorous  hatred 
that  prevailed  against  the  Roman  Catholics.  There  was 
doubtless  a  plot;  but  its  extent  could  never  have  been  so 
great  as  the  terror  of  the  times  depicted.  The  only  testi- 
mony taken  was  the  mutual  criminations  and  confessions 
2* 


18 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


of  the  abettors;  and  by  this  means  every  negro  in  the  city, 
and  some  of  (lie  white  inhabitants,  became  objects  of  sus- 
picion. The  first  suspie  ion  of  a  )>lot  was  caused  by  frequent 
alarms  of  fire,  and  robberies  committed  on  the  premises  of 
one  of  the  citizens.  The  first  fire  destroyed  the  Governor's 
house  and  the  old  church,  both  of  which  were  within  the 
walls  of  the  fort  A  few  days  after  this,  another  firo 
occurred  under  very  mysterious  circumstances,  and  subse- 
quently, in  the  space  of  three  weeks,  eight  more  fires  served 
to  spread  great  consternation  among  the  people.  Many 
negroes  were  executed,  and  the  investigations  were  long 
and  intricate. 

While  the  trials  were  going  on,  and  the  execution  of  sev- 
eral negroes  taking  place,  proclamations  were  made,  offer- 
ing pardon  to  the  free  who  should  make  discovery  of  the 
plot,  or  accuse  others;  and  pardon  and  liberty  to  the  slaves 
who  should  do  the  same;  and  rewards  in  money  to  both. 
The  consequence  was,  that  the  negroes  who  were  in  jail 
accused  themselves  and  others,  hoping  to  save  their  own 
lives,  and  obtain  the  promised  boons.  What  one  poor 
wretch  invented,  was  heard  and  repeated  by  another;  and 
by  degrees  the  story  assumed  the  shape  of  a  regular  plot 
In  the  course  of  the  evidence  it  appears  that  the  city  was 
destined  to  be  fired,  and  the  inhabitants  massacred,  on 
coming  out  of  the  English  Church  in  Broadway,  ht.  Pat- 
rick's night  was  selected  for  the  catastrophe,  and  many 
Irish  Catholics  lately  arrived  enlisted  in  the  gang  of  mur- 
derers. The  negroes  were  led  by  one  Ilughson,  at  whose 
house  they  were  entertained,  and  where  they  brought 
their  stolen  goods.  An  unfortunate  man,  named  Dry,  an 
English  clergyman,  who  had  been  teaching  school  in  the 
city  was  tried  and  condemned  on  the  roost  trivial  testi- 
mony. He  was  hung  amidst  the  greatest  excitement 
There  were  thirteen  blacks  burned  alive  at  the  stake,  at  a 
place  then  out  of  town,  but  situated  near  the  present  inter- 
section of  Pearl  and  Chatham  streets,  where  there  was 
formerly  a  hollow  place.  Twenty  were  hung  "on  the 
island  by  the  powder-house,"  where  the  Arsenal  now  is,  in 
Elm  street  Seventy  were  transported  to  foreign  parte; 
Hughson,  his  wife,  and  Peggy  Carey,  a  noted  informer, 
were  hung.  Several  of  the  negroes  declared  that  they  had 
accused  themselves  and  others  because  they  had  been  told 
that,  was  the  only  way  to  save  their  lives. 


EARLY  HISTORY. 


19 


"The  Indians,  in  the  year  1746,  came  to  the  city  of 
New-York  in  a  body,  say  several  hundreds,  to  hold  a  con- 
ference or  treaty  with  the  Governor.  They  were  Oneidas 
and  Mohawks ;  coming  from  Albany,  crowding  the  X orth 
river  with  their  canoes ;  bringing  with  them  their  squaws 
and  papouses;  they  encamped  on  the  site  now  Hudson's 
Square,  before  St.  John's  Church,  then  a  low  sand  beach." 

In  1756,  the^iVs<  stage  started  between  Philadelphia  and 
New  York,  three  days  through. 

In  1765,  a  second  stage,  announced  to  travel  between 
New- York  and  Philadelpliia,  to  go  through  in  three  days, 
being  a  covered  Jersey  wagon,  at  2d  a  mile. 

In  1766,  another  stage,  called  "the  Flying  Machine,"  to 
go  through  in  two  days,  "in  good  wagons,  and  seats  on 
springs,"  at  3d  a  mile,  or  20.?.  through. 

These  extracts  are  principally  drawn  from  "Watson's  An- 
nals of  New-York.  The  public  records,  always  accessible 
at  the  City  Record  office,  are  very  numerous,  and  will  well 
reward  the  curious  for  their  perusal. 

During  the  Revolution,  the  Middle  Dutch  Church,  Nas- 
sau street,  was  used  as  a  "prison  for  3,000  Americans." 
The  pews  were  taken  out  and  used  for  fuel.  Afterwards 
the  church  was  used  as  a  riding-school  by  the  British  cav- 
alry. The  North  Dutch  Church,  in  William  street,  was 
also  used  as  a  prison-house,  and  at  one  time  held  2,000  pri- 
soners ;  all  the  Presbyterian  churches  were  used  for  military 
purposes,  but  the  Methodists'  houses  were  spared  on  ac- 
count of  their  adherence  to  Wesley,  who  was  known  to  b6 
a  loyalist. 

It  is  estimated  that  11,000  Americans  were  interred  from 
the  British  prisons  at  the  Wallabout,  near  the  present 
Navy  Yard.  In  cutting  down  the  hill  for  the  Navy  Yard, 
there  were  taken  up  as  many  as  thirteen  large  boxes  of 
human  bones,  which,  being  borne  on  trucks  under  mourn- 
ing palls,  were  carried  in  procession  to  Jackson  street,  on 
Brooklyn  height,  and  interred  in  a  charnel-house  con- 
structed for  the  occasion  beneath  three  drooping  willows. 

Two  of  the  burnt  hulks  of  the  prison-ships  still  remain 
sunken  near  the  Navy  Yard ;  one  in  the  dock,  and  one  in 
the  Good  Hope,  near  Pinder's  Island. 

In  1785-6,  Alderman  William  Baj-ard  sold  his  farm  of 
fifty  acres,  situated  on  the  west  side  of  Broadway,  where 


20 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


St  Paul's  Church  now  stands.  He  divided  it  into  lots  of 
twenty-five  by  one  hundred  feet,  and  bold  them  at  twenty- 
five  dollars  each. 

The  old  Kennedy  House,  now  converted  into  the  Wash- 
ington  IJotel,  No.  1  Broadway,  is  an  object  of  great 
interest.  It  was,  during  the  Revolution,  occupied  succes- 
sively by  ( 'ornwallis,  Clinton,  Howe,  and  Washington,  and 
here  Andre  commenced  his  correspondence  with  Arnold. 
The  house  was  erected  in  1760,  by  lion.  Captain  Kennedy, 
afterwards  Earl  of  Cassilis.  the  mat  fires  in  1776 
and  1778  occurred  while  the  British  held  possession 
of  the  city.  The  fire  in  1776  commenced  in  Whitehall  slip, 
late  at  iiijrlit,  and  consumed  all  the  buildings  west  of 
Broadway  and  south  of  Barclay  street  Trinity  Church 
was  burnt  at  this  time;  four  hundred  and  ninety-three 
houses  were  destroyed.  The  fire  in  1778  Matured  on 
Crugcr's  wharf,  and*  burnt  about  fifty  houses.  The  buil- 
dings destroyed  on  both  of  these  occasions  were  of  an 
inferior  order,  and  built  of  wood. 


R  HENIiY  CLIXTON'8  HOUSE. 


A  BIRD'S  EYE  VIEW. 


KOBABLY  the  finest  view  of  New- 
York  is  that  which  is  enjoyed  by  the 
spectator  who  gazes  upon  the  city  and 
its  suburbs  from  the  lofty  spire  of  Trin- 
ity Church.  To  this  point,  therefore, 
as  it  is  desirable  to  form  at  the  out- 
set a  correct  idea  of  the  position  of  the  city  and  its  sur- 
roundings, we  will  at  once  repair.  With  slight  fatigue 
we  ascend  the  stairway,  and  are  abundantly  repaid  by 
the  grandeur  of  the  view.  If  we  take  a  position  facing 
the  north — that  is,  looking  directly  up  Broadway — we 
shall  have  upon  our  right  the  East  river,  a  body  of  water 
flowing  between  New-York  and  Brooklyn,  and  which,  if 
followed  for  fifteen  miles  in  an  easterly  direction,  is  found 
to  expand  to  the  width  of  several  miles,  taking  from  this 
point  the  name  of  Long  Island  Sound.  Before  reaching 
the  Sound,  however,  the  water  passes  through  a  narrow 
rocky  channel,  known  as  the  famous  Hell  Gate,  so  called 
by  the  early  Dutch  voyagers  in  consequence  of  its  furious 
tide.  Through  this  passage  John  Dermer  sailed  for  the  first 
time  in  1619,  and  thus  described  the  appearance  of  the 
place,  as  his  account  is  given  by  Purchas : 

"Wee  found,"  says  the  brave  Dermer,  "  a  most  danger- 
ous cataract  amongst  small  rockie  islands,  occasioned  by 


22 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


two  unrqunll  tydes,  the  one  ebbing  and  flowing  two  houros 
before  the  other."  Thin  account  is  (juite  graphic,  although 
it  is  almost  needless  to  observe  that  the  theory  of  the  "two 
tydcs"  is  apocryphal.  Turning  to  the  left,  we  see  the 
Hudson  river,  a  body  of  water  which  may  well  be 
termed  majestic;  for  whether  we  consider  the  volume  of 
its  current,  with  the  rich  freights  it  bears,  or  take  into 
account  the  lovely  scenery  of  its  banks,  together  with  the 
noble  bay,  which,  grander  than  itself,  receives  it  as  a  lit 
channel  of  conveyance  to  the  grandest  receptacle  of  all, 
the  ocean — none,  we  think,  will  deny  the  propriety  of  the 
term.  The  Hudson  is  also  sometimes  denominated  the 
North  river — a  name  originally  applied  to  it  when  the 
early  Dutch  settlements  were  bounded  on  the  south  bv  the 
Delaware,  then  called  the  South  river,  and  by  the  Hud- 
son on  the  north.  To  gain  a  full  impression  of  the  noble- 
ness of  this  last-named  channel,  it  is  necessary  to  pass  in  a 
steamboat  through  the  highlands  on  a  clear  summer  daj\ 
At  such  times  we  have  heard  the  river  extolled  in  terms 
of  almost  unbounded  admiration  even  by  those  most  fami- 
liar with  the  world-renowned  beauties  of  the  Khinc.  An 
imperfect  idea  of  the  scenery  of  its  banks  may  be  had  by 
directing  our  attention — even  from  this  point — to  the 
Palisades,  the  bold  striking  bluff  discernible  in  the  dis- 
tance on  the  left  bank.  This  ridge,  varying  in  height  from 
200  to  500  feet,  extends  along  the  west  side  of  the  river, 
from  Weehawken,  (the  point  now  in  view  four  miles  up  the 
river,)  as  far  as  Tappan,  a  distance  of  20  miles.  From 
this  latter  place  the  banks  are  lower  until  we  reach  Cald- 
well's Landing,  42  miles  from  New-York,  and  the  southern 
entrance  of  the  Highlands,  where  commences  the  sublime 
scenery,  which  numbers  among  its  charms,  Anthony's 
Nose,  1,128  feet  in  height;  the  Sugar  Loaf,  Crow  Kest, 
Beacon  Hill,  1,685  feet,  the  loftiest  peak  of  the  Highlands, 
and  the  attractions  more  gracious)}'  named  West  Point 
Let  us  return,  however,  to  the  prospect,  before  us.  The 
first  edifice  upon  our  left,  as  we  look  up  Broadway,  is 
Trinity  Building,  known  by  its  faint  yellow  color — a  hue 
which  agreeably  contrasts  with  the  shades  of  red,  w  hite 
and  green,  that  are  seen  around  it.  This  color  arises  from 
the  bricks  of  which  the  walls  are  built,  and  which  are 
cnown   as  ililwaukie  brick,   being  made  of  a  light 


A  BIRD  S  EYE  VIEW. 


23 


yellow  clay  found  in  the  neighborhood  of  that  city.  The 
rental  of  this  building  has  been  stated  at  §60,000. 

Opposite  to  this  is  seen  the  Metropolitan  Bank,  a  struc- 
ture admirably  adapted  to  its  purpose ;  and  indeed  one  of 
the  finest  of  the  many  elegant  banking-houses  which 
adorn  the  city.  Particular  attention  is  called  to  the  orna- 
mental sculpture  upon  its  two  fronts,  and  to  the  tasteful 
gradation  of  ornament  from  the  first  to  the  upper  story. 
The  cost  of  the  building,  together  with  the  grounds,  was 
$105,000.  It  is  on  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  Pine 
street. 

The  first  church  on  the  left  side  of  Broadway  is  St.  Paul'* 
Chapel,  belonging  to  the  Corporation  of  Trinity  Chureli. 
This  fine  old  building  deserves  notice  from  having  its 
steeple  at  one  end,  and  a  well-arranged  porch  at  the 
other — an  expedient  which,  in  this  instance  at  least,  pro- 
duces a  pleasing  effect  The  height  of  the  steeple  is  203 
feet.  This  church  was  once  quite  out  of  town.  The  father 
of  the  writer  distinctly  remembers  having  many  years  ago 
shot  a  wild  pigeon  which  had  alighted  upon  a  tree  in  the 
churchyard. 

Crossing  the  street,  we  have  in  view  Barium's  American 
Museum — the  wonders  contained  in  which  building  none 
but  a  Barnum  could  either  have  collected,  in  the  first 
instance,  or  can  adequately  describe. 

The  granite  edifice  upon  the  left  is  the  Astor  House. 
"We  have  now  readied  the  Park,  an  enclosure  of  about  10 
acres,  containing  the  most  important  buildings  of  the  City 
Government.  Here  we  have  the  City  Hall,  the  new  City 
Hall,  the  Hall  of  Records,  and  the  Rotunda.  The  large 
white  pile  in  view  from  our  elevated  position  is  the  City 
Hall,  which  stands  somewhat  to  the  east  of  Broadway,  and 
is  ornamented  by  a  well-proportioned  cupola. 

Beyond  the  City  Hall,  and  on  the  line  of  Broadway,  we 
discover  a  building  of  snowy  marble,  whose  size  and 
beauty  render  it  a  conspicuous  object.  This  is  Stewart's 
Marble  Palace,  probably  the  most  costly  building  in  the 
world  owned  and  occupied  by  one  merchant,  and  devoted 
to  the  purposes  of  trade.  It  is  said  that  the  annual  sales 
at  this  colossal  dry-goods  store  amount  to  several  mil- 
lions of  dollars. 


21 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


No  other  building  is  recognizable  in  this  direction  until 
we  come  to  Grace  Church,  which  stands  as  an  expectant 
bride,  graceful]}'  looking  down  tlirongli  the  turmoil  of  cart 
and  carriage,  toward  her  powerful  and  somewhat  burly 
protector,  Trinity  Church.  We  are  aware  that  the 
respective  corporations  are  by  no  means  so  nearly  related 
as  this  attitude  might  itnplyi  hut  only  mean  to  intimate 
that  the  material  structures  referred  to  hare  a  sort  of 
related  look.  Grace  Church  is,  moreover,  worth  a  visit 
upon  a  week-day,  from  its  affording  an  opportunity  for 
curious  reflections  upon  the  effect  of  light.  The  "modest 
mansion"  which  rises  next,  door  to  the  church  is  the  Rec- 
tory. The  buildings  stand  on  Broadway,  within  one  door 
from  the  corner  of  Tenth  street 

A  few  blocks  higher  up,  Broadway  is  directly  faced  by 
Union  Park,  where  the  street  turns  to  the  left,  and  pursues 
its  way  until  it  reaches  Twenty-third  street  and  Madison 
Square  ;  where,  after  crossing  tile  Fifth  and  Sixth  Avenues, 
it  meets  and  takes  the  name  of  the  Bloomingdale  Road. 

Above  Union  Square,  the  wealthiest  and  most  fashion- 
able residents  of  New-York  have  their  habitations;  but  as 
these  are  not  in  sight  from  our  observatory,  we  turn  to 
survey  the  prospect  from  the  right  or  east  window,  and 
find  ourselves  gazing  directly  down  Wall  street,  seeming, 
as  it  were,  to  look  into  the  golden  throat  of  Plutus  himself. 
We  have  immediately  beneath  us,  on  the  corner  of  Broad- 
way and  Wall  street,  the  large  and  costly  banking-house 
of  the  Bank  of  the  Republic,  a  building  which  cannot  be 
regarded  with  much  approbation,  since  the  main  architec- 
tural purposes  accomplished  in  this  instance  have  been  to 
magnify  an  attic,  and  make  a  glorious  front  door.  The 
first  prominent  building  upon  our  left,  as  we  pa6s  down 
Wall  street,  is  the  Custom-House.  The  spot  it  occupies  is 
venerable  from  the  circumstance  that  here  stood  the  old 
Federal  Hall,  on  whose  balcony  Washington  took  the 
inaugural  oath  as  President  of  the  United  States,  on  the 
30th  of  April,  1760.  The  present  building  is  worthy  of 
the  place  it  holds,  and  is  particularly  noticeable  from  the 
beauty  of  its  proportions  and  the  solid  elegance  of  its 
work."  From  our  lofty  point  of  survey  we  must  not  fail  to 
notice  its  marble  roof. 

One  block  in  the  rear  of  the  Custom-House  we  descry  as 


A  bird's  eye  view. 


25 


old  gray  church,  with  quaint  roof  and  cupola.  This  build- 
ing was  formerly  known  as  the  Middle  Dutch  Church,  but 
is  now  occupied  by  the  New-York  Post-Office. 

On  the  right  side  of  the  street,  farther  east,  is  seen  a 
granite  building,  having  an  extensive  dome,  and  orna- 
mented on  the  street  by  a  row  of  granite  columns;  by 
which  features  we  may  easily  recognize  the  Merchants' 
Exchange! 

In  this  direction,  looking  across  the  river,  we  have  a 
view  of  Brooklyn,  on  Long  Island  ;  beyond  which,  follow- 
ing the  river,  a  portion  of  Williamsburg  is  also  distinctly 
seen.  Perhaps,  however,  the  most  attractive  prospect  is 
that  on  the  south,  in  which  direction  we  turn  our  eyes  down 
Broadway,  where  we  see  the  Bowling-Green  and  the 
Battery,  together  with  Castle  Garden,  close  at  hand. 

The  large  island  lying  nearest  to  the  city  is  Governor's 
Island  ;  beyond  which  is  South  Brooklyn — the  locality  of 
the  Atlantic  docks.  The  other  large  island  in  the  distance 
is  States  Island  ;  between  which  and  Long  Island  we  see 
the  Narrows,  the  well-fortified  entrance  to  the  harbor  of 
New-York.  The  two  small  islands  lying  nearer  to  the  city, 
on  the  right,  are  Ellis's  Island  and  Bedloe's  Island ;  the 
latter  of  which  is  the  most  distant,  and  is  fortified. 

Taken  in  all  its  parts,  this  bay  of  25  miles  in  circum- 
ference, extending  8  miles  from  the  Narrows  to  the  city, 
affords,  indeed,  a  lovely  prospect  to  the  eye.  As  we  gaze 
upon  it,  we  are  not  disposed  to  question  the  judgment  of 
poor  Hendrick  Hudson,  who,  viewing  the  landscape  in  its 
almost  primeval  beauty,  declared :  "  This  is  a  very  good 
land  to  fall  (in)  with,  and  a  pleasant  laud  to  see."  The 
opinion  of  the  old  navigator  seems  to  have  been  recorded 
on  the  morning  of  September  2d,  1009,  when  the  beauties 
of  the  landscape  were  for  the  first  time  discovered  to 
European  eyes. 

The  view  from  the  west  window  presents  to  us  Jersey 
City,  in  the  State  of  New-Jersey,  directly  across  the  river  ; 
north  of  which  is  Iloboken,  a  famous  summer  resort ; 
while  farther  up,  following  the  left  bank,  we  come  to 
Weehawken,  where  our  circuit  began  ;  a  place  of  surpass- 
ing interest,  near  the  river  bank  ;  in  this  neighborhood  is 
the  spot  where  Aaron  Burr  shot  the  brave  and  ac- 
complished Ilamilton ;  killing  him  in  a  duel,  fought  July 
3 


it 


CITY  OF  NKW-TORK. 


11th,  1804.  A  conspicivous  object  at  Jersey  City  is  the 
dock  of  the  Cunard  steamers,  and  here  is  also  the  I'hila- 
delpbifl  or  great  Southern  Railroad  depot. 

Before  leaving  our  survey,  we  must  add,  that,  although 
no  bridges  span  the  rivers  which  hound  Manhattan  or 
New-York  Island,  except  on  the  north,  still  the  communi- 
cation is  at  all  hours  both  rapid  and  convenient.  This 
necessary  intercourse  is  kepi  up  by  new  of  16  f.-nii", 
•whose  boats,  admirably  constructed" and  adorned,  are  seen 
darting  from  their  piers,  and  pursuing  their  way  in  all 
directions. 

In  concluding  our  sketch,  it  may  be  well  to  add  a  few 
words  in  regard  to  the  statistics  of  the  cities  of  New- York, 
Brooklyn,  Williamsburg  and  Jersey  City,  which  have  been 
thus  brought  into  view.  Their  population  at  the  dates 
1830,  1840,  and  1850,  was  as  follows: 

1M0.  1840.  1850. 

New-York  1H7.112  3 1 2,7 1 0  5 1 5, 507 

Brooklyn   15,394   30,233   96,838 

"W  llh.-.msburg   1,117   5,094   30,780 

The  present  population  of  Jersey  City  is  about  17,000; 
making  a  total  of  nearly  700,00o"  human  beings,  whose 
various  abodes,  places  of  business,  and  resorts  for  recrea- 
tion have  contributed  to  our  view.    We  pass  to  a 

GENERAL  DESCRIPTION. 

The  city  and  county  of  New-York  have  the  same  limits, 
comprising  the  whole  of  Manhattan  or  New-York  Island, 
which,  as  we  have  seen,  narrows  to  a  point  at  its  southern 
extremity  ;  having  the  Hudson  river  on  its  west  side,  and 
the  East"  river  on  the  cast.  On  the  Hudson  the  island 
extends  13  miles,  to  Spuyten  Duyvel  creek;  which,  after 
a  crooked  course  of  about  one  mile,  connects  with  the  Har- 
lem river,  near  King's  Bridge.  The  greatest  length  of  the 
island  is  13$  miles.  The  Harlem  river  runs  south-east  a 
distance  of  6  miles,  to  the  East  river,  which  it  enters  near 
Randall's  Island,  9  miles  from  the  Battery  point.  The 
widest  part  of  the  island  is  on  a  line  with* Eighty-eighth 
street,  where  it  measures  2£  miles ;  its  narrowest  part  being 
little  more  than  half  a  mile  in  width.  Its  circumference 
is  about  29  miles,  and  its  area  14,000  acres.    Four  bridges 


a  bird's  eye  view. 


27 


cross  the  Harlem  river :  viz.,  the  Croton  High  Bridge, 
Macomb's  bridge,  the  Harlem  Railroad  and  the  Harlem 
turnpike  bridge.  The  llndson  River  Railroad  is  carried 
over  Spuyten  Duyvel  creek. 

The  surface  of  the  island  was  originally  uneven  and 
rough,  as  is  now  the  case  in  the  northern  parts,  with  occa- 
sional low  valleys  and  marshy  swamps ;  but  the  hills  in  the 
southern  part  of  the  island  have  been  levelled,  and  the 
swamps  and  marshes  filled  up.  Many  creeks  and  inlets  on 
the  margins  of  the  rivers  have  also  disappeared,  and  the 
large  ledge  of  rocks  that  occupied  the  site  of  the  present 
Battery  has  long  since  been  buried  by  made  ground.  The 
water  line  has  been  materially  altered  from  what  it  was. 
A  large  part  of  "Water,  Front  and  South  streets,  on  the 
East  river,  and  of  Greenwich,  Washington  and  West  streets, 
on  the  Ihidson  river,  occupy  made  ground. 

The  city  population  extends  more  than  four  miles  on 
each  river,  and  the  compact  part  has  a  circumference  of 
over  ten  miles.  In  latter  times,  care  has  been  taken  to  lay 
out  the  streets  straight,  and  of  ample  width.  This  is 
particularly  true  of  all  the  northern  part  of  the  city,  which 
was  laid  out  under  the  direction  of  Gouverneur  Morris,  De 
Witt  Clinton  and  others,  and  surveyed  by  Sir.  John  Ran- 
dall jr.  The  survey  was  completed  in  1821,  after  having 
occupied  ten  years.  No  city  can  exhibit  a  more  beautiful 
plan  than  this  portion  of  the  city  of  New-York,  which  ex- 
tends to  One  Hundred  and  Fifty-fourth  street,  about  ten 
miles  north  of  the  Battery. 

Twelve  noble  avenues,  each  100  feet  wide,  run  parallel 
and  lengthwise  of  the  island,  giving  access  to  the  city,  and 
these  are  cut  at  right  angles  by  numerous  streets,  every 
tenth  one  of  which  is  also  100  feet  wide,  while  the  narrow 
streets  are  60  feet  in  width. 

The  island  is  mostly  composed  of  granite,  which  is  gene- 
rally buried  from  10  to  15  feet  under  ground.  The  super- 
incumbent earth  is  composed  of  drift  sand  and  pebbles, 
with  large  quantities  of  oxide  of  iron,  which  gives  it  a  red 
color.  The  rocks  crop  out  and  appear  on  the  surface,  in 
the  upper  parts  of  the  island,  to  a  considerable  extent 
The  soil  for  the  most  part  is  fertile,  but  from  the  abundance 
of  rocks,  hard  to  cultivate.  The  island  was  originally 
covered  with  a  very  large  growth  of  wood. 


28 


CITV  OF  RKW-YOKK. 


CLIMATE. 

IT";  average  temperature  of  our  climate  throughout  the 
year  i-  :>'/u  of  Fahrenheit's  thermometer;  and  that  is  also 
tli.-  temperature  of  the  deep  Bet  wells.  The  greatest  degree 
of  cold  ever  experienced  is  (J  or  10"  below  zero;  hut  that 
is  very  ran — having  occurred  in  1780  and  in  1820,  when 
panOM  M  i  nt  between  this  city  and  Statcn  Island  on  the 
ice.  In  winter  the  thermometer  rarely  (-inks  lower  than 
10°  or  20°  below  the  freezing-point,  and  in  a  few  hours 
the  old  always  moderates. 

The  highest  temperature  of  our  summer  is  seldom  above 
B0*,  mid  is  rarely  of  long  continuance  From  the  middle 
of  September  to  about  the  last  of  October,  the  atmosphere 
will  generally  vie  with  any  in  the  world  for  serenity  and 
beauty.  Winter  generally  sets  in  about  Christmas,  and 
continues  for  some  two  months,  although  sudden  changes 
of  temperature  frequently  occur  in  summer  and  winter, 
which,  unless  guarded  against,  will  cause  severe  colds  and 
other  diseases;  but  it  is  to  be  added,  that  New-York,  gene- 
rally speaking,  is  as  healthy  a  spot  as  anv  city  in  the 
worlJ. 


ENVIRONS  OF  NEW-YORK. 

The  principal  place  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  city  jg 
Brooklyn.  This  city  will  be  particularly  described  here- 
after. The  expense  of  excursions  by  boat  and  railroad  in 
the  neighborhood  of  New-York  may  be  usually  estimated 
at  about  3  cents  per  mile. 

WIIXIAMSBtKG, 

Formerly  an  independent  city-,  bnt  now  part  of  (the 
city  of;  Brooklyn,  and  opposite  the  north-east  part  of 
New-York,  with  which  it  has  frequent  communication  by 
means  of  several  steam  ferry-boats.  Its  chief  buildines 
are  a  town-hall  and  numerous  churches,  together  with 
handsome  private  dwellings.  The  ferries  to  Williamsburg 
are  on  the  East  river,  one  at  foot  of  Houston  street,  one  at 


ENVIRONS. 


29 


Grand  street,  and  a  third  at  Ferry  street,  nearly  due  east 
from  the  City  HalL    Distance,  1£  miles. 

ASTORIA, 

A  flourishing  village  of  Queens  county,  six  miles  north- 
east from  New- York.  It  has  several  churches,  an  academy, 
and  an  extensive  botanic  garden.  It  occupies  a  beautiful 
position  on  Long  Island  Sound,  near  that  remarkable  whirl- 
pool called  by  the  Dutch  Helle  Gat,  "  Hell  Gate."  Asto- 
ria is  one  of  the  favorite  summer  residences  of  the  New- 
Yorkers.  Steamboats  for  Astoria  leave  the  pier  on  the 
East  river  at  foot  of  Fulton  street,  and  a  short  distance 
above,  at  Peck  Slip. 

FLUSHING, 

An  incorporated  town  of  Long  Island,  situated  on  Flush- 
ing Bay,  an  arm  of  Long  Island  Sound.  Flushing  was 
formerly  the  seat  of  several  literary  institutions,  as  St 
Pauls  College,  St  Thomas's  Hall  and  St  Ann's  Hall,  but  at 
present  there  are  merely  one  or  two  inconsiderable  schools. 
The  Linnamn  Botanic  Garden  is  here;  and  this,  with  other 
advantages,  renders  Flushing  one  of  the  most  attractive 
places  of  resort  on  the  island.  It  is  about  ten  miles  distant 
from  New- York.  A  boat  for  Flushing  leaves  the  pier  at 
foot  of  Fulton  street 

JAMAICA, 

A  large  and  well-built  town  of  Queens  county,  eleven 
miles  from  Brooklyn.  Its  chief  buildings,  besides  those  of 
the  county,  are  five  churches,  two  academies,  eight  hotels 
and  taverns,  and  several  manufactories  of  pianos  and  car- 
riages. The  Long  Island  Railroad  Company  have  a  large 
depot  and  machine-shop  here.  Constant  communication 
with  Brooklyn,  Flushing,  Hempstead,  Rockaway,  <tc,  is 
afforded  by  the  railroad  or  stages,  which  ply  in  all  direc- 
tions. Jamaica  Bay,  five  miles  south  from  the  town, 
abounds  in  wild  fowl,  oysters,  clams,  &c.  The  cars  for 
Jamaica  leave  the  South  Ferry,  Brooklyn,  on  the  arrival  of 
the  boats  from  the  pier  near  the  Battery. 

ROCKAWAY  BEACH, 

A  celebrated  watering-place,  on  the  shore  of  the  Atlan- 
tic Ocean,  twenty-two  miles  south-east  from  New- York. 
3* 


30 


CITY  OF  KEW-YOKK. 


T)i, -re  are,  m  uddition  to  the  "Marine  Pavilion"  and 
Kock  Hull,"  both  well  kept,  several  private  establish- 
ments, where,  with  less  parade  and  show  of  style,  the  in- 
valid may  enjoy  the  refreshing  sea  air  and  bath  in  their 
utmost  perfection,  and  at  a  moderate  expense;  while  those 
who  inhabit  the  former  are  expected  and  expert  to  pay 
liberally  for  their  extravagant  accommodations. 


FLAT II l  MI, 

A  neat  village  of  Kings  county,  four  miles  south-east  of 
Brooklyn.  The  stage  from  Brooklyn  passes  through  Flat- 
bush  on  its  way  to 

OMIT  fKUjn, 

A  bathing-place  of  great  resort,  forming  a  part  of 
Graveseud  township,  and  directly  exposed  to  the  surges  of 
the  Atlantic  ocean.  The  name  Coney  Island  is  probably  a 
corruption  of  Colman's  Island,  as  the  name  Column's  I'oint 
was  given  by  Hendrick  Hudson  to  the  place  in  which  they 
buried  John  Colman,  one  of  his  crew  who  was  unfortu- 
nately killed  by  the  Indians.  A  boat  also  leaves  >"ew- 
York  for  Coney  Island  several  times  a  day  during  the  sum- 
mer season. 

FOI£T  HAMILTON. 

This  fortress,  which,  in  connection  with  Forts  Lafayette 
and  Tompkins,  commands  the  Karrows,  is  situated  on  the 
Western  end  of  Long  Island,  and  about  8  miles  nearly  due 
south  from  IS'ew-York.  A  small  assemblage  of  houses  has 
grown  up  around  it,  including  one  church  and  an  exten- 
sive boarding-house.  It  is  a  place  of  fashionable  resort, 
chiefly  for  the  convenience  of  sea  bathing. 


NEW-BRIGIITOX  AMI  STATES  ISLAND, 

A  village  of  country-seats,  erected  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  some  of  the  "best  society"  of  New-York  It  occu- 
pies the  most  northern  point  "of  fStaten  Island,  at  the 
entrance  of  the  "Kills,"  which  separate  the  island  fi  om  the 
Jersey  shore.  The  situation  is  very  fine,  commanding  a 
view  of  the  bay,  with  its  islets,  the"city,  Long  Island,  <fcc 
The  houses,  with  their  white  fronts  and  massive  columns, 


ENVIRONS. 


31 


present  a  beautiful  appearance  from  the  water.  There  are 
two  extensive  hotels  and  several  boarding-houses.  A  short 
distance  to  the  west  stands  the  Sailor's  Snug  Harbor,  a 
sort  of  Greenwich  Hospital  or  Asylum  for  superannuated 
mariners.  Two  miles  east  of  Brighton  lie  the  Quarantine 
Ground,  the  Marine  Hospital,  and  Tompkinsville.  The 
latter  is  a  large  town,  containing  upwards  of  3000  inhabit- 
ants, three  churches,  several  hotels,  and  beautifully  situated 
on  the  high  ground  in  the  rear  of  Fort  Tompkins.  Attached 
to  the  Quarantine  establishment  are  the  Marine  Hospital, 
for  the  reception  of  patients  afflicted  with  contagious  dis- 
eases; a  Yellow  Fever  Hospital;  a  Small  Pox  Hospital; 
besides  several  other  buildings  for  the  Physician,  Health 
Officers  and  others. 

Steamboats  leave  the  Battery  every  hour  during  the 
dayT  fur  New-Brighton,  the  Quarantine  Ground,  and  Tomp- 
kinsville ;  time  occupied  in  the  passage,  about  half  an  hour. 

JERSEY  CITT, 

On  the  west  side  of  the  Hudson,  opposite  New-York, 
situated  on  a  point  or  cape,  formerly  called  Paulus  Hook. 
The  city  is  regularly  laid  out,  with  the  streets,  which  are 
generally  wide,  crossing  each  other  at  right  angles.  The 
public  buildings  are,  seven  churches,  a  lyceum,  academy, 
High  School,  a  bank,  a  pottery,  glass  factory,  &c.  The 
New-Jersey  Railroad  Company  have  an  extensive  depot 
here,  the  starting-place  for  the  cars  for  the  South  and 
South-west,  and  the  interior  of  New-Jersey;  and  the  Morris 
Canal,  from  Bordentown,  intersects  the  Hudson  in  the  lower 
part  of  the  city. 

harsihes 

Is  a  small  village  directly  in  the  rear  of  Jersey  City, 
bey-oud  which  lies 

HOBOKEN", 

A  new  city  of  Hudson  county,  New-Jersey,  containing 
several  churches  and  numerous  public-houses.  Hoboken 
is  much  frequented  by  the  citizens  of  New-York.  The 
"Elysian  Fields,"  so  called,  contain  some  beautiful  walks. 
A  fine  view  of  the  city  may  be  had  from  the  high  grounds 
of  Hoboken.    It  is  so  easily  accessible  that  none  will  be 


32 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


willing  to  forego  the  pleasure  of  a  visit,  the  boat*  leaving 
the  foot  of  Christopher,  Canal  and  Barclay  streets  every 
few  minutes.  A  short  distance  above  lJoboken  we  come 
to 

WEEIIAWKEN, 

A  small  settlement  on  the  Jersey  shore,  beautifully  situ- 
ated, about  two  miles  north  of  Iloboken,  on  an  elevated 
blulf  of  the  Hudson.  Here  stood  the  monument  to  Hamil- 
ton.   On  Manhattan  Island  we  have 

BLOOMINGDALE, 

A  remarkably  neat  villatre  of  New-York  county,  situated 
on  the  left  bank  of  the  Hudson,  five  miles  above  the  City 
Hall.  The  New-York  Asylum  for  the  Insane  and  the  Or- 
phan Asylum  are  established  here.  The  village  consist* 
chiefly  of  country-seats.  Many  persons  are  tempted  to 
drive  in  this  direction  by  the  beauty  of  the  road.  About 
two  miles  beyond  Bloomingdale,  on  the  same  side  of  the 
river,  is 

MANHATTAN  VIX  I.  E, 

Containing  an  Episcopal  church,  and  gome  extensive 
factories.  It  is  a  delightful  place  of  resort,  and  is  much 
visited.  The  Convent  of  the  Sisters  of  Mercy  is  finely 
situated  near  this  village. 

HARLEM 

Is  situated  south-east  of  Manhattanville,  on  Harlem 
river,  near  its  discharge  into  Long  Island  Sound.  It  is  a 
flourishing  village,  with  several  churches,  and  a  super- 
abundance of  hotels,  besides  a  commodious  depot,  belong- 
ing to  the  New-York  and  Harlem  Raiload  Company. 
The  cars  for  Harlem  start  every  hour  from  the  dep6t> 
north-east  of  the  City  HalL    Distance,  7  miles. 

NEWAKK 

Is  by  far  the  largest,  and,  as  a  manufacturing  place,  the 
most  important  town — or  rather  city,  for  it  is  organized  aa 
such— in  the  State  of  New-Jersey.  Its  population  is  chiefly 
engaged  in  the  various  manufactories,  which  abound  here 
to  an  unusual  extent.  Newark  was  first  settled  in  1666> 
by  people  from  New-England. 


ENVIRONS. 


33 


The  Passaic,  here  a  beautiful  stream,  flows  along  the 
eastern  side  of  the  town,  and  gradually  curves  towards 
the  east,  in  its  passage  into  Newark  Bay,  three  miles  dis- 
tant from  the  city.  Its  streets  and  avenues  are  wide,  and 
shailed  by  an  abundance  of  trees,  which  add  greatly  to 
the  beauty  of  the  city  and  the  comfort  of  its  citizens. 
The  many  manufacturing  establishments  in  and  about  the 
place,  give  it  an  active  and  business-like  appearance. 

Besides  the  factories,  most  of  which  are  on  a  large 
scale,  there  are  several  breweries,  grist  and  saw-mills,  dye- 
ing-houses, and  printing  offices,  each  of  which  issues  a 
newspaper,  <fec.  There  are  schools  almost  innumerable, 
academies,  and  several  literary  and  scientific  institutions. 
The  churches  belong  to  the  Episcopalians,  the  Presby- 
terians, the  Baptists,  the  Dutch  Reformed,  the  Methodists, 
and  the  Roman  Catholics.  The  other  public  buildings  are 
the  Court  House,  county  offices,  three  banks,  and  the 
immense  depot  of  the  New-Jersey  Railroad  Company. 
Cars  for  Newark  leave  Jersey  City  on  the  arrival  of  boats 
from  Cortlandt  street  or  Liberty  street  Distance  from 
New- York,  9  miles. 

EI.IZABETIITOWN, 

A  beautiful  town  situated  on  Elizabeth  creek,  in  Essex 
county.  It  is  a  borough  town,  and  one  of  the  oldest  in 
the  State,  its  site  having  been  purchased  from  the  Indians 
by  a  company  from  Long  Island,  as  early  as  the  year 
1664. 

There  is  in  this  town  an  unusual  proportion  of  hand- 
some dwellings  and  churches ;  which,  with  the  wide  and 
regular  streets,  impart  an  air  of  great  neatness  and  beauty 
to  the  place,  and  render  it  a  very  desirable  residence. 

One  of  the  churches  is  under  the  pastoral  charge  of  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Murray,  the  famous  author  of  Kirwan's  Letters. 
Take  the  boat  at  Liberty  street    Distance,  15  miles. 

KAHWAY, 

A  large  and  thriving  town  of  Essex  and  Middlesex 
counties,  formed  by  the  union  of  several  villages,  the 

opulation  having  originally  come  from  New-England. 

he  Presbyterians,  Methodists,  Baptists  and  Friends,  have 
places  of  worship  here.    Those  of  the  Presbyterians  and 


14 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


has  long  been  lost  to  history.  The  ground  that  now  sus- 
tains a  million  of  inhabitants  then  hid  in  its  forest  shades 
the  dusky  forms  of  a  few  hundred  wild  men ;  and  the 
waters  that  are  now  burdened  with  the  commerce  of  the 
world  were  then  timidly  navigated  by  the  birchen  canoe 
of  a  race  who  never  ventured  beyond  the  protection  of 
their  inland  bounds.  On  the  2d  of  September,  1009,  a 
beautiful  autumn  day,  the  adventurous  bark  of  Henry  Hud- 
son made  its  appearance  in  the  lower  harbor.  Ihe  In- 
dians, whose  fishing-canoes  were  scattered  about  in  every 
direction,  attacked  one  of  his  boats  which  was  sent  out  to 
fish,  and  killed  its  commander.  They  buried  him  on  an 
island  \\  biefa  was  named  after  him,  Column's  Island,  now 
degenerated  into  Coney  Island. 

After  this,  these  Indians  became  more  friendly,  and  came 
on  board,  where  they  exchanged  tobacco  and  Indian  corn 
for  trinkets.  Hudson  passed  up  with  his  vessel  (the  Half 
Moon)  as  far  as  the  present  site  of  Albany,  and  then  re- 
turned to  Manhattan;  and  after  sometimes  trading  with 
the  natives,  and  sometimes  killing  them,  lie  went  back  to 
Europe  again.  His  mutinous  men  forced  him  to  go  to 
Elichmd  n, -ti  ad  of  Holland,  from  vhenee.  be  can.e.  The 
British  Government,  which  had  formerly  driven  him  from 
their  service,  now  detained  him,  and  in  a  subsequent  voy- 
age to  .North  America,  he  was  set  adrift  by  his  crew  in  an 
open  boat,  with  his  young  son  and  seven  others,  without 
compass  or  food,  and  never  heard  of  after.  This  was 
brought  about  through  the  treacherous  agency  of  one  of 
his  men,  whom  he  had  formerly  befriended,  under  circum- 
stances that  claimed  lasting  gratitude.  Hudson  was  a  bold 
and  skilful  navigator,  and  had  formerly  distinguished  him- 
self in  his  attempts  to  discover  a  north-west  passage  to 
the  East  Indies. 

The  Hutch,  finding  that  they  could  get  furs  of  the  North 
American  Indians,  sent  out  another  ship  to  New-York,  to 
trade  with  them;  and  in  1614,  the  Dutch  Government  en- 
couraged a  eompan\-  of  merchants,  and  licensed  them  as 
the  "West  India  Company."  Soon  after  this  the  company 
sent  out  two  ships,  one  of  which  was  accidentally  burned, 
but  was  replaced  by  another,  which  was  built  by  her  com- 
mander on  the  East  river.  After  sailing  along  tLe  coast  to 
Martha's  Vineyard,  they  returned  to  the  Hudson  river,  and 


EARLY  HISTORY. 


15 


proceeded  up  to  Castle  Island,  near  Albany,  -where  they 
commenced  a  settlement  For  many  years  after  this  first 
settlement,  Albany  was  the  remotest  point  of  interior  civili- 
zation. In  1014,  a  fort  was  built  on  Manhattan  Island;  a 
few  huts  were  soon  added,  to  accommodate  the  settlers 
who  traded  with  the  Indians.  This  fort  was  just  in  the 
rear  of  the  present  site  of  Trinity  Church,  on  the  immedi- 
ate bank  of  the  river :  the  tide  then  came  up  to  where  the 
western  wall  of  the  churchyard  now  stands.  In  1T51,  some 
workmen  digging  in  the  bank,  back  of  the  church,  dis- 
covered a  stone  wall,  which  occasioned  great  wonder  at 
first,  but  was  soon  ascertained  to  be  the  remnants  ">f  the 
long-forgotten  fort.  In  1621,  the  Dutch  Government  gave 
the  New-Netherlands  to  their  West  India  Company.  The 
territory  so  denominated  extended  from  Delaware  river  to 
Cape  Cod.  In  1623,  they  built  a  new  fort,  which  stood  on 
the  ground  now  occupied  by  the  Bowling  Green,  then  a 
high  mound  of  earth,  overlooking  an  extensive  ledge  of 
rocks,  the  site  of  the  present  Battery. 

There  is  every  indication  that  New-York  was  in  primi- 
tive days  the  "  city  of  hills" — such  verdant  hills,  of  succes- 
sive undulation,  as  the  general  state  of  the  whole  country 
part  of  the  island  now  presents.  The  hills  were  sometimes 
precipitous,  as  from  Beekman's  and  Peck's  Hills,  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Pearl,  Beekman  and  Ferry  streets,  and 
from  the  Middle  Dutch  Church,  the  building  now  conver- 
ted into  the  Post  Office,  in  Nassau  street,  down  to  Mai- 
den Lane ;  and  sometimes  gradually  sloping,  as  on  cither 
hills  along  the  line  of  the  water,  near  Maiden  Lane.  The 
water  flowed  in  between  many  of  the  hills,  such  as  "  the 
canal"  so  called  to  gratify  Dutch  recollections,  which 
was  an  inlet  up  Broad  street.  Up  Maiden  Lane  flowed 
another  inroad.  A  little  beyond  Peck's  Slip  existed  a  low 
water-course,  which  in  high  water  ran  quite  up  in  union 
with  the  Collect,  (Kolck,)  and  then  joining  with  Lispenard's 
swamp  on  North  river  side,  produced  a  union  of  waters 
quite  across  the  city ;  thus  converting  it  occasionally  into  an 
island.  Boats  were  used  occasionally  to  carry  the  foot 
passengers  from  either  side  of  the  high  rising  ground  rang- 
ing on  both  sides  of  Pearl  street. 

Part  of  the  people  who  came  out  in  the  Tea  Company's 
ships  settled,  in  1025,  on  an  island,  at  what  is  now  called 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


the  WallaLout,  a  word  importing  the  waloon  Lend.  About 
this  time  vc  find  in  the  public  records,  that  "  Patilue  Hook  " 
•was  sold  by  Gov.  Keift  to  Abraham  Isaacs  Plank  for  450 
guilders,  i'or  scandalizing  the  Governor,  one  llendrick 
Janeson,  in  1088,  was  sentenced  to  stand  at  the  fort  door, 
at  the  ringing  of  the  bell,  and  ask  the  Governor's  pardon. 

On  the  0th  of  August,  1038,  two  persons  were  appointed 
to  inspect  "tobacco  cultivated  here  for  exportation;"  and 
on  the  19th  of  the  same  month  it  was  ordered,  that  in  con- 
sideration of  "  the  high  character  it  had  obtained  in  foreign 
countries,"  any  adulteration  should  be  punished  with  a 
heavy  penalty.  In  1041,  a  cattle  fair  was  established,  to 
be  held  annually  on  the  15th  of  October. 

The  lands  on  "York  Island,"  without  the  bounds  of  the 
town  walls,  along  Wall  street,  were  either  used  for  public 
grazing  grounds  for  the  town  cows,  sheep  or  swine,  or  else 
for  tin-  Governor's  farms,  under  the  name  of  Bouwerys. 
The  Iiouu  cry  or  farm  sold  to  Governor  Stuyvesant  in  1031, 
now  so  valuable  as  building  lots  in  the  hands  of  his  de- 
scendants, was  originally  purchased  by  him  for  0,400  guil- 
ders, (£1,000 ;)  and  having,  besides  the  land,  "  a  dwelling- 
house,  barn,  reek-lands,  six  cows,  two  horses  and  two 
young  negroes." 

On  another  farm  the  company  erected  a  wint  molcn 
(wind-mill)  for  the  use  of  the  town.  Its  site  was  near  the 
"Broadway,"  between  the  present  Liberty  and  Courtlandt 
streets.  The  first  having  decayed,  it  wa6  ordered,  in  1002, 
that  there  Le  another  on  the  same  ground,  "  outside  of  the 
city  land-port  (gate)  on  the  company's  farm." 

In  1003,  all  the  carmen  of  the  c"ity,  to  the  numher  of 
twenty,  ordered  to  Le  enrolled,  and  to  draw  for  (>d.  an  or- 
dinary load,  and  to  remove  weekly  from  the  city  the  dirt 
of  the  streets  at  Zd.  a  load. 

In  1075,  the  rates  of  tavern  fare  were  thus  ordered :  For 
lodging,  Zd. ;  for  meals,  8<7. ;  Lrandy  per  gill,  Od. ;  and  cider 
per  quart  4</.  In  1070,  all  the  inhabitants  living  in  the 
street  called  the  Here  Graft  (now  Broad  street)  were  re- 
quired "  to  fill  up  the  graft,  ditch  or  common  shore,  and 
level  the  same."  In  this  same  year  are  given  the  names  of 
all  the  then  property-holders,  amounting  to  only  300  names, 
and  "assessed  at  li  dollars  a  pound  on  £99,695." 

Luke  Laneton,  in  1683,  was  made  "collector  of  customs 


EARLY  HISTORY. 


17 


at  the  custom-house  near  the  bridge,  and  none  shall  un- 
load but  at  the  bridge."  The  house  called  "Stuyvesant 
Huys,"  at  the  north-west  corner  of  present  Front  and  Moore 
streets,  was  then  called  the  "  custom-house." 

In  1683,  it  was  ordered  that  "noyouthes,  maydes,  or 
other  persons  may  nieete  together  on  the  Lord's  day,  for 
sport  or  play,  under  fine  of  \s."  "  No  more  than  four  In- 
dian or  negro  slaves  may  assemble  together.'  In  1683, 
the  vessels  and  boats  of  the  port  were  enrolled  as  follows : 
3  barques,  3  brigantines,  26  sloops,  and  4o  open  boats. 
The  old  Dutch  records  show  that  all  the  rear  of  the  town 
was  divided  into  farms  called  "  Bouwerys,"  from  whence 
we  have  Bowery  now.  In  1687,  sixteen  acres  of  the  Basse 
Bowery  was  granted  to  Arien  Cornelisson,  for  the  consid- 
eration of  one  fat  capon  a  year.  In  1695,  the  celebrated 
Capt.  Eidd  came  to  New- York  to  see  his  wife.  He  soon 
after  this  commenced  his  piracies,  and  continued  them  till 
1699,  when  he  visited  Long  Island  Sound,  and  made  several 
deposits  of  money  on  the  shores.  One  of  these  deposits 
was  discovered  a  few  years  since  by  some  laborers,  while 
digging  on  the  shores  of  the  East  river.  Kidd  was  decoyed 
to  Boston,  where  he  was  arrested,  sent  to  England,  and 
hung  in  1701. 

In  1698,  the  Council  agreed  to  build  the  "new  City 
Hall,"  by  the  head  of  Broad  street,  for  £3,000 ;  the  same 
afterwards  the  Congress  Hall,  on  the  corner  of  Wall  street. 

In  1699,  they  sold  the  old  City  Hall  to  John  liodman 
for  £'920,  reserving  only  "the  bell,  the  king's  arms,  and 
iron  works  [fetters,  <tc]  belonging  to  the  prison,"  and 
granting  leave  also  to  allow  the  "cage,  pillory  and  stocks 
before  the  same  to  be  removed  within  one  year ;  and  the  pri- 
soners in  said  jail  within  the  said  City  Hall,  to  remain  one 
month." 

The  celebrated  Negro  Plot,  in  1741,  occurred  when  there 
were  about  ten  thousand  inhabitants  in  the  city,  of  which 
one  sixth  part  were  negro  slaves.  After  the  lapse  of  a 
century,  we  look  back  with  astonishment  on  the  panic 
occasioned  by  these  conspiracies,  and  the  rancorous  hatred 
that  prevailed  against  the  Roman  Catholics.  There  was 
doubtless  a  plot;  but  its  extent  could  never  have  been  so 
great  as  the  terror  of  the  times  depicted.  The  only  testi- 
mony taken  was  the  mutual  criminations  and  confessions 
2* 


18 


CITY  OF  NKW-YORK. 


of  the  abettors;  and  by  this  means  every  negro  in  the  city, 
and  some  of  the  white  inhabitants,  became  objects  of  sus- 
picion. The  first  suspic  ion  of  a  )>lot  was  caused  by  frequent 
alarms  of  fire,  and  robberies  committed  on  the  premises  of 
one  of  the  citizens.  The  first  fire  destroyed  the  Governor's 
house  and  the  old  church,  both  of  which  were  within  the 
walls  of  the  fort  A  few  days  after  this,  another  fire- 
occurred  under  very  mysterious  circumstances,  and  subse- 
quently, in  the  space  of  three  weeks,  eight  more  fires  served 
to  spread  great  consternation  among  the  people.  Many 
negroes  were  executed,  and  the  investigations  were  long 
and  intricate. 

While  the  trials  were  going  on,  and  the  execution  of  sev- 
eral negroes  taking  place,  proclamation!  were  made,  offer- 
ing pardons  to  the  free  who  should  make  discovery  of  the 
plot,  or  accuse  others;  and  pardon  and  liberty  to  the  slaves 
who  should  do  the  same;  ami  rewards  in  money  to  both. 
The  consequence  was,  that  the  negroes  who  were  in  jail 
accused  themselves  and  others,  hoping  to  save  their  own 
lives,  and  obtain  the  promised  boons.  What  one  poor 
■wretch  invented,  was  heard  and  repeated  by  another;  and 
by  degrees  the  story  assumed  the  shape  of  a  regular  plot 
In  the  course  of  the  evidence  it  appears  that  the  city  was 
destined  to  be  fired,  and  the  inhabitants  massacred,  on 
coming  out  of  the  English  Church  in  Broadway,  fit  Pat- 
rick's  night  was  selected  for  the  catastrophe,  and  many 
Irish  Catholics  lately  arrived  enlisted  in  the  gang  of  mur- 
derers. The  negroes  were  led  by  one  llughson,  at  whose 
house  they  were  entertained,  and  where  they  brought 
their  stolen  goods.  An  unfortunate  man,  named  Ury,  an 
English  clergyman,  who  had  been  teaching  school  in  the 
citv  was  tried  and  condemned  on  the  most  trivial  testi- 
mony. He  was  hung  amidst  the  greatest  excitement 
There  were  thirteen  blacks  burned  alive  at  the  stake,  at  a 
place  then  out  of  town,  but  situated  near  the  present  inter- 
section of  Pearl  and  Chatham  streets,  where  there  was 
formerly  a  hollow  place.  Twenty  were  hung  "on  the 
island  by  the  powder-house,"  where  the  Arsenal  now  is,  in 
Elm  street  Seventy  were  transported  to  foreign  parts ; 
Hughson,  his  wife,  and  Peggy  Carey,  a  noted  informer, 
were  hung.  Several  of  the  negroes  declared  that  they  had 
accused  themselves  and  others  because  they  had  been  told 
that,  was  the  only  way  to  save  their  lives. 


EARLY  HISTORY. 


19 


"  The  Indians,  in  the  year  1746,  came  to  the  city  of 
New- York  in  a  body,  say  several  hundreds,  to  hold  a  con- 
ference or  treaty  with  the  Governor.  They  were  Oneidaa 
and  Mohawks ;  coming  from  Albany,  crowding  the  North 
river  with  their  canoes;  bringing  with  them  their  squaws 
and  papouses ;  they  encamped  on  the  site  now  Hudson's 
Square,  before  St.  John's  Church,  then  a  low  sand  beach." 

In  1756,  the  first  stage  started  between  Philadelphia  and 
New  York,  three  days  through. 

In  1765,  a  second  stage,  announced  to  travel  between 
New- York  and  Philadelphia,  to  go  through  in  three  days, 
being  a  covered  Jersey  wagon,  at  Id.  a  mile. 

In  1766,  another  stage,  called  "the  Flying  Machine,"  to 
go  through  in  two  days,  "in  good  wagons,  and  seats  on 
springs,"  at  3c?.  a  mile,  or  20s.  through. 

These  extracts  are  principally  drawn  from  "Watson's  An- 
nals of  New-York.  The  public  records,  always  accessible 
at  the  City  Record  office,  are  very  numerous,  and  will  well 
reward  the  curious  for  their  perusal. 

During  the  Revolution,  the  Middle  Dutch  Church,  Nas- 
sau street,  was  used  as  a  "prison  for  3,000  Americans." 
The  pews  were  taken  out  and  used  for  fuel.  Afterwards 
the  church  was  used  as  a  riding-school  by  the  British  cav- 
alry. The  North  Dutch  Church,  in  William  street,  was 
also  used  as  a  prison-house,  and  at  one  time  held  2,000  pri- 
soners ;  all  the  Presbyterian  churches  were  used  for  military 
purposes,  but  the  Methodists'  houses  were  spared  on  ac- 
count of  their  adherence  to  Wesley,  who  was  known  to  b6 
a  loyalist. 

It  is  estimated  that  11,000  Americans  were  interred  from 
the  British  prisons  at  the  Wallabout,  near  the  present 
Navy  Yard.  In  cutting  down  the  hill  for  the  Navy  Yard, 
there  were  taken  up  as  many  as  thirteen  large  boxes  of 
human  bones,  which,  being  borne  on  trucks  under  mourn- 
ing palls,  were  carried  in  procession  to  Jackson  street,  on 
Brooklyn  height,  and  interred  in  a  charnel-house  con- 
structed for  the  occasion  beneath  three  drooping  willows. 

Two  of  the  burnt  hulks  of  the  prison-ships  still  remain 
sunken  near  the  Navy  Yard ;  one  in  the  dock,  and  one  in 
the  Good  Hope,  near  Pinder's  Island. 

In  17S5-6,  Alderman  William  Bayard  sold  his  farm  of 
fifty  acres,  situated  on  the  west  side  of  Broadway,  where 


20 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


St  Paul's  Church  now  elands.  He  divided  it  into  lots  of 
twenty-five  by  one  hundred  feet,  and  bold  them  at  twenty- 
tive  dollars  each. 

'J  he  old  Kennedy  House,  now  converted  into  the  Wash- 
ington Hotel,  N„.  i  Broadway,  is  an  object  of  rrreat 
interest.  It  was,  during  the  Revolution,  occupied  succes- 
sively by  Cornwall!*,  Clinton,  Howe,  and  Washington,  and 
6«e  Andre  commenced  his  correspondence  with  Arnold 
The  house  was  erected  in  1700,  by  Hon.  Captain  Kennedy 
afterwards  Earl  of  Cassilis.  The  great  fires  in  1770 
and  1778  occurred  while  the  British  held  possession 
of  the  city.  The  fire  in  1770  commenced  in  Whitehall  slip 
late  at  night,  and  consumed  all  the  buildings  west  of 
Uroadway  and  south  of  Barclay  street.  Trinity  Church 
was  burnt  at  this  time;  four  hundred  and  ninety-three 
houses  were  destroyed.  The  fire  in  1778  occurred  on 
(  riiL'ers  wharf,  and  burnt  about  fifty  houses.  The  |jUji_ 
noga  destroyed  on  both  of  these  occasions  were  of  an 
inferior  order,  and  built  of  wood. 


SIB  HENKY  CLIMOS'S  HOCSE. 


A  BIRD'S  EYE  VIEW. 


ROBABLY  the  finest  view  of  Sew- 
York  is  that  which  is  enjoyed  by  the 
;gg?=  spectator  who  gazes  upon  the  city  and 
~  its  suburbs  from  the  lofty  spire  of  Trin- 
ity Church.  To  this  point,  therefore, 
as  it  is  desirable  to  form  at  the  out- 
set a  correct  idea  of  the  position  of  the  city  and  its  sur- 
roundings, we  will  at  once  repair.  With  slight  fatigue 
we  ascend  the  stairway,  and  are  abundantly  repaid  by 
the  grandeur  of  the  view.  If  we  take  a  position  facing 
the  north — that  is,  looking  directly  up  Broadway — we 
shall  hare  upon  our  right  the  East  river,  a  body  of  water 
flowing  between  New-York  and  Brooklyn,  and  which,  if 
followed  for  fifteen  miles  in  an  easterly  direction,  is  found 
to  expand  to  the  width  of  several  miles,  taking  from  this 
point  the  name  of  Long  Island  Sound.  Before  reaching 
the  Sound,  however,  the  water  passes  through  a  narrow 
rocky  channel,  known  as  the  famous  Hell  Gate,  so  called 
by  the  early  Dutch  voyagers  in  consequence  of  its  furious 
tide.  Through  this  passage  John  Dermer  sailed  for  the  first 
time  in  1619,  and  thus  described  the  appearance  of  the 
place,  as  his  account  is  given  by  Purchas : 

"  Wee  found,"  says  the  brave  Dermer,  "  a  most  danger- 
ous cataract  amongst  small  rockie  islands,  occasioned  by 


22 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


two  unequall  tydes,  the  one  ebbing  and  flowing  two  houres 
before  the  other."  This  account  is  <juit<-  graphic,  although 
it  is  almost  needles-  to  observe  that  the  theory  of  tlie  "two 
tydes"  is  apocryphal.  Turning  to  the  left,  we  gee  the 
Hudson  river,  a  body  of  water  which  inay  well  be 
termed  majestic ;  for  whether  we  consider  the  volume  of 
iU  current,  with  the  rich  freights  it  bears,  or  take  into 
account  the  lovely  scenery  of  its  banks,  together  with  the 
noble  bay,  which,  grander  than  itself,  receives  it  as  a  fit 
channel  of  conveyance  to  the  grandest  receptacle  of  all, 
the  ocean — none,  we  think,  will  deny  the  propriety  of  the 
term.  The  Hudson  is  also  sometimes  denominated  the 
North  river — a  name  originally  applied  to  it  when  the 
early  Dutch  settlements  were  bounded  on  the  south  bv  the 
Delaware,  then  called  the  South  river,  and  by  the  Hud- 
son on  the  north.  To  gain  a  full  impression  of  the  noble- 
ness of  this  last-named  channel,  it  is  necessary  to  pass  in  a 
steamboat  through  the  highlands  on  a  clear  summer  day. 
At  such  times  we  have  heard  the  river  extolled  in  terms 
of  almost  unbounded  admiration  even  by  those  most  fami- 
liar with  the  world-renowned  beauties  of  the  Shine.  An 
imperfect  idea  of  the  scenery  of  its  banks  may  be  had  by 
directing  our  attention — even  from  this  point — to  the 
Palisades,  the  bold  striking  bluff  discernible  in  the  dis- 
tance on  the  left  bank.  This  ridge,  varying  in  height  from 
200  to  5u0  feet,  extends  along  the  west  side  of  the  river, 
from  Weebawken,  (the  point  now  in  view  four  miles  up  the 
river,)  as  far  as  Tappan,  a  distance  of  20  miles.  From 
this  latter  place  the  banks  are  lower  until  we  reach  Cald- 
well's Landing,  42  miles  from  New-York,  and  the  southern 
entrance  of  the  Highlands,  where  commences  the  sublime 
6cenery,  which  numbers  among  its  charms,  Anthony's 
Nose,  1,128  feet  in  height;  the  Sugar  Loaf,  Crow  .Nest, 
Beacon  Hill,  1,685  feet,  the  loftiest  peak  of  the  Highlands, 
and  the  attractions  more  graciously  named  West  Point 
Let  us  return,  however,  to  the  prospect  before  us.  The 
first  edifice  upon  our  left,  as  we  look  up  Broadway,  is 
Trinity  Building,  known  by  its  faint  yellow  color — a  hue 
which  agreeably  contrasts  with  the  shades  of  red,  white 
and  green,  that  are  seen  around  it  This  color  arises  from 
the  bricks  of  which  the  walls  are  built,  and  which  are 
(mown   as  Milwaulde  brick,   being  made  of  a  light 


a  bird's  eye  view. 


23 


yellow  clay  found  in  the  neighborhood  of  that  cit}'.  The 
rental  of  this  building  has  been  stated  at  §00,000. 

Opposite  to  this  is  seen  the  Metropolitan'  Bank,  a  struc- 
ture admirably  adapted  to  its  purpose ;  and  indeed  one  of 
the  finest  of  the  many  elegant  banking-houses  which 
adorn  the  city.  Particular  attention  is  called  to  the  orna- 
mental sculpture  upon  its  two  fronts,  and  to  the  tasteful 
gradation  of  ornament  from  the  first  to  the  upper  story. 
The  cost  of  the  building,  together  with  the  grounds,  was 
$165,000.  It  is  ou  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  Pine 
6treet. 

The  first  church  on  the  left  side  of  Broadway  is  St.  Paul'* 
Chapel,  belonging  to  the  Corporation  of  Trinity  Church. 
This  fine  old  building  deserves  notice  from  having  its 
steeple  at  one  end,  and  a  well-arranged  porch  at  the 
other — an  expedient  which,  in  this  instance  at  least,  pro- 
duces a  pleasing  effect  The  height  of  the  steeple  is  203 
feet.  This  church  was  once  quite  out  of  town.  The  father 
of  the  Writer  distinctly  remembers  having  many  3"ears  ago 
shot  a  wild  pigeon  which  had  alighted  upon  a  tree  in  the 
churchyard. 

Crossing  the  street,  we  have  in  view  Barnum's  American 
Museum — the  wonders  contained  in  which  building  none 
but  a  Barnum  could  either  have  collected,  in  the  first 
instance,  or  can  adequately  describe. 

The  granite  edifice  upon  the  left  is  the  Astor  House. 
We  have  now  reached  the  Park,  an  enclosure  of  about  10 
acres,  containing  the  most  important  buildings  of  the  City 
Government  Here  we  have  the  City  Hall,  the  new  City 
Hall,  the  Hall  of  Records,  and  the  Rotunda.  The  large 
white  pile  in  view  from  our  elevated  position  is  the  City 
Hall,  which  stands  somewhat  to  the  east  of  Broadway,  and 
is  ornamented  bv  a  well-proportioned  cupola. 

Beyond  the  City  Hall,  and  on  the  line  of  Broadway,  we 
discover  a  building  of  snowy  marble,  whose  size  and 
beauty  render  it  a  conspicuous  object.  This  is  Stewart's 
Marble  Palace,  probably  the  most  costly  building  in  the 
world  owned  and  occupied  by  one  merchant,  and  devoted 
to  the  purposes  of  trade.  It  is  said  that  the  annual  sales 
at  this  colossal  dry-goods  store  amount  to  several  mil- 
lions of  dollars. 


24 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


No  other  building  is  recognizable  in  this  direction  irntil 
we  cuiiii'  to  Grace  Ciiibcii,  wliieli  stands  as  an  expectant 
bride,  gracefully  looking  down  through  the  turmoil  of  cart 
and  carriage,  toward  her  powerful  and  somewhat  burly 
proteetor,  Trinity  Church.  We  are  aware  that  the 
respective  cor] iorat ions  are  bv  no  means  so  nearly  related 
as  this  attitude  might  imply,  but  only  mean  to  intimate 
that  the  material  structures  referred  to  have  a  sort  of 
related  look.  Grace  Church  is,  moreover,  worth  a  visit 
upon  a  week-day,  from  its  affording  an  opportunity  for 
curious  reflections  upon  the  effect  of  light.  'Die  "modest 
mansion"  which  rises  next  door  to  the  church  is  the  Rec- 
tory. The  buildings  gtand  on  Broadway,  within  one  door 
from  the  corner  of  Tenth  street 

A  few  Mocks  higher  up,  Broadway  is  directly  faced  by 
Union  I'ark,  where  the  street  turns  to  the  left,  and  pursues 
its  way  until  it  readies  Twenty-third  street  and  Madison 
Square  ;  where,  after  crossing  the  Fifth  and  Sixth  Avenues, 
it  meets  and  takes  the  name  of  the  Bloorningdale  P.oad. 

Above  Union  Square,  the  wealthiest  and  most  fashion- 
able residents  of  New-York  have  their  habitation*;  but  as 
these  are  not  in  sight  from  our  observatory,  we  turn  to 
survey  the  prospect  from  the  right  or  east  window,  and 
find  ourselves  gazing  directly  down  Wall  street,  seeming, 
as  it  were,  to  look  into  the  golden  throat  of  Plutus  himself. 
We  have  immediately  beneath  us,  on  the  corner  of  Broad- 
way and  Wall  street,  the  large  and  costly  banking-house 
of  the  Bank  of  IHB  Republic,  a  building  which  cannot  be 
regarded  with  much  approbation,  since  the  main  architec- 
tural purposes  accomplished  in  this  instance  have  been  to 
magnify  an  attic,  and  make  a  glorious  front  door.  The 
first  prominent  building  upon  our  left,  as  we  pass  down 
Wall  street,  is  the  Cistom-IIotse.  The  spot  it  occupies  is 
venerable  from  the  circumstance  that  here  stood  the  old 
Federal  Tlall,  on  whose  balcony  Washington  took  the 
inaugural  oath  as  President  of  the  United  States,  on  the 
30th  of  April,  1780.  The  present  building  is  worthy  of 
the  place  it  holds,  and  is  particularly  noticeable  from  the 
beauty  of  its  proportions  and  the  solid  elegance  of  its 
work.  From  our  lofty  point  of  survey  we  must  not  fail  to 
notice  its  marble  roof 

One  block  in  the  rear  of  the  Cnstom-House  we  descry  as 


a  bird's  eye  view. 


25 


old  gray  church,  with  quaint  roof  and  cupola.  This  build- 
ing was  formerly  known  as  the  Middle  Dutch  Church,  but 
is  now  occupied  by  the  New-York  Post-Office. 

On  the  right  side  of  the  street,  farther  east,  is  seen  a 
granite  building,  having  an  extensive  dome,  and  orna- 
mented on  the  street  by  a  row  of  granite  columns ;  by 
which  features  we  may  easily  recognize  the  Merchants' 
Exchange! 

In  this  direction,  looking  across  the  river,  we  have  a 
view  of  Brooklyn,  on  Long  Island  ;  beyond  which,  follow- 
ing the  river,  a  portion  of  Williamsburg  is  also  distinctly 
seen.  Perhaps,  however,  the  most  attractive  prospect  ia 
that  on  the  south,  in  which  direction  we  turn  our  eyes  down 
Broadway,  where  we  see  the  Bowling-Green  and  the 
Battery,  together  with  Castle  Garden,  close  at  hand. 

The  large  island  lying  nearest  to  the  city  is  Governor's 
Island  ;  beyond  which  is  Soutu  Brooklyn — the  locality  of 
the  Atlantic  docks.  The  other  large  island  in  the  distance 
is  States:  Island  ;  between  which  and  Long  Island  we  see 
the  Narrows,  the  well-fortified  entrance  to  the  harbor  of 
New-York.  The  two  small  islands  lying  nearer  to  the  city, 
on  the  right,  are  Ellis's  Island  and  Bedloe's  Island;  the 
latter  of  which  is  the  most  distant,  and  is  fortified. 

Taken  in  all  its  parts,  this  bay  of  25  miles  in  circum- 
ference, extending  8  miles  from  the  Narrows  to  the  city, 
affords,  indeed,  a  lovety  prospect  to  the  eye.  As  we  gaze 
upon  it,  we  are  not  disposed  to  question  the  judgment  of 
poor  Hendrick  Hudson,  who,  viewing  the  landscape  in  its 
almost  primeval  beauty,  declared:  "This  is  a  very  good 
land  to  fall  (in)  with,  and  a  pleasant  land  to  see."  The 
opinion  of  the  old  navigator  seems  to  have  been  recorded 
on  the  morning  of  September  2d,  1009,  when  the  beauties 
of  the  landscape  were  for  the  first  tune  discovered  to 
European  eyes. 

The  view  from  the  west  window  presents  to  us  Jersey 
City,  in  the  State  of  New-Jersey,  directly  across  the  river ; 
north  of  which  is  Iloboken,  a  famous  summer  resort ; 
while  farther  up,  following  the  left  bank,  we  come  to 
Weehawken,  where  our  circuit  began ;  a  place  of  surpass- 
ing interest,  near  the  river  bank  ;  in  this  neighborhood  is 
the  spot  where  Aaron  Burr  shot  the  brave  and  ac- 
e/jmplished  Hamilton ;  killing  him  in  a,  duel,  fought  July 


CITY  OT  SFW-TORK. 


11th,  1804.  A  conspicuous  object  mt  Jersey  City  k  the 
dock  of  the  Cunard  rt  earner?,  and  here  is  also  the  Phila- 
delpbia  or  great  Southern  Railroad  depot. 

Before  leaving  our  survey,  *»  most  add,  that,  although 
no  bridges  q«n  the  riTers  which  bound  Manhattan  or 
New- York  Island,  except  on  the  north,  still  the  eommuni- 
cation  is  at  all  hours  both  rapid  and  convenient  Thia 
necessary  intercourse  is  kept  up  by  means  of  15  ferries 
whose  boats,  admirably  constructed  and  adorned,  are  seen 
darting  from  their  piers,  and  pursuing  their  wiv  in  all 
directions. 

In  concluding  our  sketch,  it  may  be  veil  to  add  a  few 
words  in  regard  to  the  statistics  of  the  cities  of  New- York, 
Brooklyn,  Williamsburg  and  Jersey  Crtv,  which  hare  been 
thus  brought  into  view.  Their  population  at  the  data 
1830,  1840,  and  1850,  was  as  follows: 

1*30.  1^40.  1S50. 

New- York  197,112  312,710  515,507 

Brooklyn   15,394  36,233   96,838 

Williamsburg   1,117   5,094   30,780 

The  present  population  of  Jersey  Chy  is  about  17,000  ; 
making  a  total  of  nearly  700,000  human  beings,  whose 
Tarious  abodes,  places  of  business,  and  resorts  for  recrea- 
tion Lave  contributed  to  our  view.    We  pass  to  a 

GENERAL  DESCRIPTION. 

The  city  and  county  of  New- York  haTe  the  same  limits, 
comprising  the  whole  of  Manhattan  or  New- York  T«*~^ 
which,  as  we  haTe  seen,  narrows  to  a  point  at  its  southern 
extremity ;  having  the  Hudson  river  on  its  west  side,  and 
the  East  river  on  the  east.  On  the  Hudson  the  island 
extends  1 3  miles,  to  Spuyten  Ihryvel  creek :  which  after 
a  crooked  course  of  about  one  mile,  connects  with  the  Har- 
lem river,  near  King's  Bridge.  The  greatest  length  of  the 
island  is  19}  miles.  "  The  Harlem  river  runs  south-east  a 
distance  of  6  miles,  to  the  East  river,  which  it  enters  near 
Randall's  Island.  9  miles  from  the  Battery  point  The 
widest  part  of  the  island  is  on  a  line  with"  Eight v-eighth 
street,  where  it  measures  2*  miles :  its  narrowest  fart  being 
little  more  than  half  a  mile  in  width.  Its  arcmnferenee 
i>  about  29  miies,  and  its  area  14,000  acres.    Four  bridges 


A  BIRD  S  EYE  VIEW. 


27 


cross  the  Harlem  river :  viz.,  the  Croton  High  Bridge, 
Macomb's  bridge,  the  Harlem  Railroad  and  the  Harlem 
turnpike  bridge.  The  Hudson  River  Railroad  is  carried 
over  Spuyten  Duyvel  creek. 

The  surface  of  the  island  was  originally  uneven  and 
rough,  a*  is  now  the  case  in  the  northern  parts,  with  occa- 
sional low  valleys  and  marshy  swamps ;  but  the  hills  in  the 
southern  part  of  the  island  have  been  levelled,  and  the 
swamps  and  marshes  rilled  up.  Many  creeks  and  inlets  on 
the  margins  of  the  rivers  have  also  disappeared,  and  the 
large  ledge  of  rocks  that  occupied  the  site  of  the  present 
Battery  has  long  since  been  buried  by  made  ground.  The 
water  line  has  been  materially  altered  from  what  it  was. 
A  large  part  of  Water,  Front  and  South  streets,  on  the 
East  river,  and  of  Greenwich,  Washington  and  West  streets, 
on  the  Hudson  river,  occupy  made  ground. 

The  city  population  extends  more  than  four  miles  on 
each  river,  and  the  compact  part  has  a  circumference  of 
over  ten  miles.  In  latter  times,  care  has  been  taken  to  lay 
out  the  streets  straight,  and  of  ample  width.  This  is 
particularly  true  of  all  the  northern  part  of  the  city,  which 
was  laid  out  under  the  direction  of  Gouverneur  Morris,  De 
Witt  Clinton  and  others,  and  surveyed  by  Mr.  John  Ran- 
dall, jr.  The  survey  was  completed  in  1821,  after  having 
occupied  ten  years.  No  city  can  exhibit  a  more  beautiful 
plan  than  this  portion  of  the  city  of  New- York,  which  ex- 
tends to  One  Hundred  and  Fifty-fourth  street,  about  ten 
miles  north  of  the  Battery. 

Twelve  noble  avenues,  each  100  feet  wide,  run  parallel 
and  lengthwise  of  the  island,  giving  access  to  the  city,  and 
these  are  cut  at  right  angles  by  numerous  streets,  every 
tenth  one  of  which  is  also  100  feet  wide,  while  the  narrow 
streets  are  GO  feet  in  width. 

The  island  is  mostly  composed  of  granite,  which  is  gene- 
rail  v  buried  from  10  to  15  feet  under  ground.  The  super- 
incumbent earth  is  composed  of  drift  sand  and  pebbles, 
with  large  quantities  of  oxide  of  iron,  which  uives  it  a  red 
color.  The  rocks  crop  out  and  appear  on  the  surface,  in 
the  upper  parts  of  the  island,  to  a  considerable  extent. 
The  soil  for  the  most  part  is  fertile,  but  from  the  abundance 
of  rocks,  hard  to  cultivate.  The  island  was  originally 
covered  with  a  very  large  growth  of  wood. 


2ft 


CITV  OF  KKV.-VORK. 


CLIMATE. 

The  average  temperature  of  our  climate  throughout  the 
year  is  05°  of  Fahrenheit's  thermometer;  and  that  is  also 
"tli.-  temperature  of  the  deepest  wells.  The  greatest  degree 
of  eoM  ever  experienced  is  6  or  10"  below  zero;  but  that 
is  very  rare — having  occurred  in  1780  and  in  ]M'<i,  when 
persons  went  between  this  city  and  Statcn  bland  on  the 
ice.  In  winter  the  thermometer  rarely  sinks  lower  than 
or  'jo^  In  low  the  freezing-point,  and  in  a  few  hours 
the  cold  always  moderates. 

The  highest  temperature  of  onr  summer  is  seldom  above 
90°,  and  is  rarely  of  long  continuance.  From  the  middle 
of  September  to  about  the  last  of  October,  the  atmosphere 
will  generally  vie  witli  any  in  the  world  for  serenity  and 
beaut  v.  Winter  generally  sets  in  about  Christmas,  and 
continues  for  some  two  months,  although  sudden  changes 
of  temperature  frequently  occur  in  summer  and  winter, 
which,  unless  guarded  against,  will  cause  severe  colds  and 
other  diseases;  but  it  is  to  be  added,  that  New-York,  gene- 
rally speaking,  is  as  healthy  a  spot  as  any  city  in  the 
trend. 


ENVIRONS  OF  KEW-YORK. 

TnE  principal  place  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  city  ia 
Brooklyn.  This  city  will  be  particularly  described  here- 
after. "The  expense  of  excursions  by  boat  and  railroad  in 
the  neighborhood  of  New-York  may  be  usually  estimated 
at  about  3  cents  per  mile. 

WIM.IAMSBCKC, 

Formerly  an  independent  eity,  but  now  part  of  (the 
city  of)  Brooklyn,  and  opposite  the  north-east  part  of 
New-York,  with  which  it  has  freqnent  communication  by 
means  of  several  steam  ferry-boats.  Its  chief  buildings 
are  a  town-hall  and  numerous  churches,  together  with 
handsome  private  dwellings.  The  ferries  to  Williamsburg 
are  on  the  East  river,  one  at  foot  of  Ilouston  street,  one  at 


ENVIRONS. 


29 


Grand  street,  and  a  third  at  Ferry  street,  nearly  due  east 
from  the  City  HalL    Distance,  1£  miles. 

ASTORIA, 

A  flourishing  village  of  Queens  county,  six  miles  north- 
east from  New-York.  It  has  several  churches,  an  academy, 
and  an  extensive  botanic  garden.  It  occupies  a  beautiful 
position  on  Long  Island  Sound,  near  that  remarkable  whirl- 
pool  called  by  the  Dutch  Helle  Gat,  "  Hell  Gate."  Asto- 
ria is  one  of  the  favorite  summer  residences  of  the  New- 
Yorkers.  Steamboats  for  Astoria  leave  the  pier  on  the 
East  river  at  foot  of  Fulton  street,  and  a  short  distance 
above,  at  Peck  Slip. 

FLUSHING, 

An  incorporated  town  of  Long  Island,  situated  on  Flush- 
ing Bay,  an  arm  of  Long  Island  Sound.  Flushing  was 
formerly  the  seat  of  several  literary  institutions,  as  St. 
Paul's  College,  St  Thomas's  Hall  and  St  Ann's  Hall,  but  at 
present  there  are  merely  one  or  two  inconsiderable  schools. 
The  Linmonn  Botanic  Garden  is  here;  and  this,  with  other 
advantages,  renders  Flushing  one  of  the  most  attractive 
places  of  resort  on  the  island.  It  is  about  ten  miles  distant 
from  New-York.  A  boat  for  Flushing  leaves  the  pier  at 
foot  of  Fulton  street. 

JAMAICA, 

A  large  and  well-built  town  of  Queens  county,  eleven 
miles  from  Brooklyn.  Its  chief  buildings,  besides  those  of 
the  county,  are  five  churches,  two  academies,  eight  hotel* 
and  taverns,  and  several  manufactories  of  pianos  and  car- 
riages. The  Long  Island  Railroad  Company  have  a  large 
depot  and  machine-shop  here.  Constant  communication 
with  Brooklyn,  Flushing,  Hempstead,  Rockaway,  <fec,  is 
afforded  by  the  railroad  or  stages,  which  ply  in  all  direc- 
tions. Jamaica  Bay,  five  miles  south  from  the  town, 
abounds  in  wild  fowl,  oysters,  clams,  &c.  The  cars  for 
Jamaica  leave  the  South  Ferry,  Brooklj-n,  on  the  arrival  of 
the  boats  from  the  pier  near  the  Battery. 

ROCKAWAY  BEACH, 

A  celebrated  watering-place,  on  the  shore  of  the  Atlan- 
tic Ocean,  twenty-two  miles  south-east  from  New- York. 
3» 


80 


CITY  OF  KEW-YOKK. 


There  arc,  in  addition  to  the  "Marine  Pavilion  "  and 
"Bock  Hall,"  both  well  kept,  several  private  establish- 
ments, where,  with  leu  parade  and  show  of  style,  the  in- 
valid may  enjoy  the  refreshing  sea  air  and  bath  in  their 
utmost  perfection,  and  at  a  moderate  expense;  while  those 
who  inhabit  the  former  ure  expected  and  expect  to  pay 
liberally  for  their  extravagant  accommodations. 

FLATIll  MI, 

A  neat  village  of  Kings  county,  four  miles  south-cast  of 
Brooklyn.  The  stage  from  Brooklyn  passes  through  Flat- 
bush  on  its  way  to 

CONEY  ISLAND, 

A  bathing-place  of  great  resort,  forming  a  part  of 
Gravesend  township,  and  directly  exposed  to  the  surges  of 
the  Atlantic  ocean.  The  name  Coney  Island  is  probably  a 
corruption  of  Column's  Island,  as  the  name  Column's  I'oint 
was  given  by  Hendriek  Hudson  to  the  place  in  which  they 
buried  John  Column,  one  of  his  crew  who  was  unfortu- 
nately killed  by  the  Indians.  A  boat  also  leaves  New- 
York  for  Coney  Island  several  times  a  day  during  the  sum- 
mer season. 

IOKT  HAMILTON. 

This  fortress,  which,  in  connection  with  Forts  Lafayette 
and  Tompkins,  commands  the  Narrows,  is  situated  on  the 
western  end  of  Long  Island,  and  about  8  miles  nearly  due 
south  from  New- York.  A  small  assemblage  of  houses  has 
grown  up  around  it,  including  one  church  and  an  exten- 
sive boarding-house.  It  is  a  place  of  fashionable  resort, 
chiefly  for  the  convenience  of  sea  bathing. 

IHMpmiM  AND  STATEN'  ISLAND, 

A  village  of  country-seats,  erected  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  some  of  the  "best  society"  of  New- York.  It  occu- 
pies the  most  northern  point  of  Staten  Island,  at  the 
entrance  of  the  "Kills,"  which  separate  the  island  from  the 
Jersey  shore.  The  situation  is  very  fine,  commanding  a 
view  of  the  bay,  with  its  islets,  the  city,  Long  Island,  ic. 
The  houses,  with  their  white  fronts  and  massive  columns, 


ENVIRONS. 


31 


present  a  beautiful  appearance  from  the  water.  There  are 
two  extensive  hotels  and  several  boarding-houses.  A  short 
distance  to  the  west  stands  the  Sailor's  Snug  Harbor,  a 
sort  of  Greenwich  Hospital  or  Asylum  for  superannuated 
mariners.  Two  miles  east  of  Brighton  lie  the  Quarantine 
Ground,  the  Marine  Hospital,  and  TompTcinsville.  The 
latter  is  a  large  town,  containing  upwards  of  3000  inhabit- 
ants, three  churches,  several  hotels,  and  beautifully  situated 
on  the  high  ground  in  the  rear  of  Fort  Tompkins.  Attached 
to  the  Quarantine  establishment  are  the  Marine  Hospital, 
for  the  reception  of  patients  afflicted  with  contagious  dis- 
eases; a  Yellow  Fever  Hospital;  a  Small  Pox  Hospital; 
besides  several  other  buildings  for  the  Plrysiciau,  Health 
Officers  and  others. 

Steamboats  leave  the  Battery  every  hour  during  the 
day  for  New-Brighton,  the  Quarantine  Ground,  and  Toinp- 
kiusville ;  time  occupied  in  the  passage,  about  half  an  hour. 

JERSEY  CITT, 

On  the  west  side  of  the  Hudson,  opposite  New-Yort, 
situated  on  a  point  or  cape,  formerly  called  Paulus  Hook. 
The  city  is  regularly  laid  out,  with  the  streets,  which  are 
generally  wide,  crossing  each  other  at  right  angles.  The 
public  buildings  are,  seven  churches,  a  lyceum,  academy, 
High  School,  a  bank,  a  pottery,  glass  factory,  <fec.  The 
New-Jersey  Piailroad  Company  have  an  extensive  depot 
here,  the  starting-place  for  the  cars  for  the  South  and 
South-west,  and  the  interior  of  New-Jersey ;  and  the  Morris 
Canal,  from  Bordentown,  intersects  the  Hudson  in  the  lower 
part  of  the  city. 

HARSIMUS 

Is  a  small  village  directly  in  the  rear  of  Jersey  City, 
beyond  which  lies 

IIOBOKEJT, 

A  new  city  of  Hudson  county,  New-Jersey,  containing 
several  churches  and  numerous  public-houses.  Hoboken 
is  much  frequented  by  the  citizens  of  New- York.  The 
"Elysian  Fields,"  so  called,  contain  some  beautiful  walks. 
A  fine  view  of  the  city  may  be  had  from  (he  high  grounds 
of  Hoboken.    It  is  so  easily  accessible  that  none  will  be 


32 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


willing  to  forego  the  pleasure  of  a  visit,  the  boats  leaving 
the  foot  of  Christopher,  Canal  and  liarclay  streets  every 
few  minutes.  A  short  distance  above  Hoboken  we  come 
to 

M  i  i  ii  \\\  kin, 

A  small  settlement  on  the  Jersey  shore,  beautifully  situ- 
ated, about  two  miles  north  of  lloboken,  on  an  elevated 
bluff  of  the  Hudson.  Here  stood  the  monument  to  Hamil- 
ton.   On  Manhattan  Island  we  have 

BLOOMINGIIALE, 

A  remarkably  neat  villatre  of  New-York  county,  situated 
on  the  left  bank  of  the  Hudson,  five  miles  above  the  City 
Hull.  The  New-York  Asylum  for  the  Insane  and  the  Or- 
phan Asylum  are  established  here.  The  village  consists 
chiefly  of  country-seats.  Many  persons  are  tempted  to 
drive  in  this  direction  by  the  beauty  of  the  road.  About 
two  miles  beyond  Lloomingdale,  on  the  same  side  of  the 
river,  is 

MANHATTAN  VIIXE, 

Containing  an  Episcopal  church,  and  some  extensive 
factories.  It  is  a  delightful  place  of  resort,  and  is  much 
visited.  The  Convent  of  the  Sisters  of  Mercy  is  finely 
situated  near  this  village. 

HARLEM 

Is  situated  south-east  of  Manhattanville,  on  Harlem 
river,  near  its  discharge  into  Long  Island  Sound.  It  is  a 
flourishing  village,  with  several  churches,  and  a  super- 
abundance of  hotels,  besides  a  commodious  depot,  belong- 
ing to  the  New-York  and  Harlem  Kaiload  Company. 
The  cars  for  Harlem  start  every  hour  from  the  depot, 
north-east  of  the  City  HalL    Distance,  7  miles. 

NEWAKK 

Is  by  far  the  largest,  and,  as  a  manufacturing  place,  the 
most  important  town — or  rather  city,  for  it  is  organized  as 
such — in  the  State  of  New  Jersey.  Its  population  is  chiefly 
engaged  in  the  various  manufactories,  which  abound  here 
to  an  unusual  extent.  Newark  was  first  settled  in  1666> 
by  people  from  New-England. 


ENVIRONS. 


.33 


The  Passaic,  here  a  beautiful  stream,  flows  along  the 
eastern  side  of  the  town,  and  gradually  curves  towards 
the  east,  in  its  passage  into  Newark  Bay,  three  miles  dis- 
tant from  the  citv.  Its  streets  and  avenues  are  wide,  and 
shaded  by  an  abundance  of  trees,  which  add  greatly  to 
the  beauty  of  the  city  and  the  comfort  of  its  citizens. 
The  many  manufacturing  establishments  in  and  about  the 
place,  give  it  an  active  and  business-like  appearance. 

Besides  the  factories,  most  of  which  are  on  a  large 
scale,  there  are  several  breweries,  grist  and  saw-mills,  dye- 
ing-houses, and  printing  offices,  each  of  which  issues  a 
newspaper,  &e.  There  are  schools  almost  innumerable, 
academies,  and  several  literary  and  scientific  institutions. 
The  churches  belong  to  the  Episcopalians,  the  Presby- 
terians, the  Baptists,  the  Dutch  Reformed,  the  Methodists, 
and  the  Roman  Catholics.  The  other  public  buildings  are 
the  Court  House,  county  offices,  three  banks,  and  the 
immense  depot  of  the  New-Jersey  Railroad  Company. 
Cars  for  Newark  leave  Jersey  City  on  the  arrival  of  boats 
from  Cortlandt  street  or  Liberty  street  Distance  from 
New-York,  9  miles. 

ELIZABET1ITOWN, 

A  beautiful  town  situated  on  Elizabeth  creek,  in  Essex 
county.  It  is  a  borough  town,  and  one  of  the  oldest  in 
the  State,  its  site  having  been  purchased  from  the  Indians 
by  a  company  from  Long  Island,  as  early  as  the  year 

There  is  in  this  town  an  unusual  proportion  of  hand- 
some dwellings  and  churches ;  which,  with  the  wide  and 
regular  streets,  impart  an  air  of  great  neatness  and  beauty 
to  the  place,  and  render  it  a  very  desirable  residence. 

One  of  the  churches  is  under  the  pastoral  charge  of  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Murray,  the  famous  author  of  Kirwan's  Letters. 
Take  the  boat  at  Liberty  street    Distance,  15  miles. 

KAIIWAT, 

A  large  and  thriving  town  of  Essex  and  Middlesex 
counties,  formed  by  the  union  of  several  villages,  the 
population  having  originally  come  from  New-England. 
The  Presbyterians,  Methodists,  Baptists  and  Friends,  have 
places  of  worship  here.    Those  of  the  Presbyterians  and: 


34 


CITY  OF  NEW-TOEK. 


Hp  s-opal.ana ,  are  beautiful  structure*.  Among  the  liberal 
institutions  of  the  place,  which  possesses  many,  there  are 
•  public  library  and  "Athcnean  Academy,"  so  called  :  a  fine 
building,  erected  by  a  company  expressly  for  the  institu- 
tion,  which  partake,  in  sonic  measure,  of  the  nature  of  a 
high  school.  Bdiway  is  a  lar^e  manufacturing  place. 
Establishments  on  an  extensive  scale  are  in  dailv  operation 
here.  The  manufactures  consist  of  silk  printing,  carriages 
and  carriage  furniture,  hats,  shoes,  clothing,  clocks,  earthen- 
ware and  cotton  goods.  Boat  from  Liberty  street,  many 
times  in  the  day.    Distance,  20  miles. 

NEU-UKINMVICK. 

This  place  is  situated  in  the  counties  of  Somerset  and 
Middlesex,  and  is  the  seat  of  justice  of  the  latter,  it  is  an 
incorporated  city,  and  next  to  .Newark,  the  largest  town 
in  the  Mate.    Access  as  to  Huh  way.    Distance,  31  miles. 

PASSAIC  FALLS. 

This  is  a  beautiful  sheet  of  water,  which  present*  an 
unbroken  full  of  fifty  feet  It  is  situated  at  the  town  of 
Paterson,  on  the  I'assaic  river,  whose  banks  here  are 
nearly  vertical  The  water  in  its  passage,  through  the 
lapse  of  ages,  has  worn  a  deep  chasm  into  the  solid  rock 
winch  is  obviously  repeating,  as  the  abraded  banks  below 
testify  No  spectacle  can  be  more  imposing  than  is  pre- 
sented by  the  falling  water,  as  it  glides  gently  over  the 
brow  of  the  precipice.  The  town  of  Paterson  is  admirably 
situated  for  manufacturing  purposes  at  the  falls  which 
attord  a  constant  and  abundant  supply  of  water  for  the 
vast  number  of  factories  in  operation  "in  the  town,  which 
is  now  one  of  the  most  important  manufacturing  places  in 
the  United  States.  The  manufactory  of  the  celebrated 
Colts  repeating  fire-arms  is  at  Paterson.  Besides  nume- 
rous churches,  there  are  also  a  society  for  the  promotion 
of  literature  and  science,  which  has  an  excellent  library  ■  a 
Mechanics'  Institute,  a  Museum,  a  Circulating  Library'  a 
Pubbc  Library,  and  some  other  institutions  of  a  similar 
description. 

ELIZABETIIPOET, 

A  very  neat  and  flourishing  village  of  New-Jersey, 
which  has  recently  started  into  notice;  being  at  the  east- 


ENVIRONS. 


35 


ern  terminus  of  the  Elizabethport  and  Somerville  Rail- 
road. Access  by  boat  from  foot  of  Battery  Place.  Dis- 
tance, 14  miles. 

PERTH  AMBOT, 

A  city  and  port  of  entry  of  Middlesex  county,  New- 
Jersey,  at  the  confluence  of  Raritan  river  and  Staten  Island 
Sound.  It  derives  its  name  in  part  from  James,  Earl  of 
Perth,  one  of  the  original  proprietors  of  the  ground,  which 
was  laid  off  in  town  lots  in  1683,  and  incorporated  in  1784. 
A  large  portion  of  the  buildings  are  elevated  fort}-  or  fifty 
feet  above  the  adjacent  bay.  Boat  from  Battery  Place. 
Distance,  26  miles.    This  a  delightful  excursion. 

FORT  LEE. 

This  fort,  with  Fort  "Washington  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  river,  was  the  scene  of  important  military  operations 
during  the  Revolutionary  "War.  A  large  body  of  American 
militia  stationed  here,  in  attempting  to  retreat,  were  over- 
powered by  a  vastly  superior  force,  consisting  chiefly  of 
Hessians,  when  they  were  either  slain  or  consigned  to  the 
prison-ship,  a  fate  more  terrific  than  death  itself.  The 
site  of  Fort  Lee  is  upwards  of  300  feet  above  the  water.  A 
hotel  at  the  landing  is  much  frequented.  The  Palisades  at 
this  point  are  nearly  vertical,  and  range  from  200  to  500 
feet  in  height. 

TOXKERS, 

A  pleasant  village  of  Westchester  county,  situated  at 
the  outlet  of  Saw-mill  Creek,  16  miles  from  New-York. 
It  is  built  mostly  on  the  river  bank,  which,  being  some- 
what elevated,  commands  a  fine  view  of  the  river  and  the 
Palisades  opposite.  The  Episcopal  church,  of  which  the 
Rev.  A.  B.  Carter  is  Rector,  is  a  substantial  and  beautiful 
building.  There  is  scarcely  a  village  in  the  State  which 
has  increased  more  rapidly  than  Yonkers  in  the  last  few 
years.  The  supposed  derivation  of  the  name  is  curious. 
It  is  said  that  the  settlement  was  made  by  some  young 
members  of  the  Dutch  community  on  Manhattan  Island, 
and  thus  the  name  attached,  Yonkers  being  the  Dutch  for 
young.  The  Hudson  River  Railroad  conveys  visitors  to 
the  village. 


36 


CITY  OK  NEW-YORK. 


A  .small  village  and  landing  of  tlic  same  county,  L>  4 
miles  above  Yonkers,  on  the  Hudson  River  Railroad. 

I><» I! IIS  FKIiKY 

Is  a  small  settlement  and  public  landing  in  WattcllMltB 
count}',  with  a  ferry  to  the  opposite  side -of  the  Hudson. 
Tlie  landing  is  20  miles  from  New-York  by  the  railroad. 

DEARM  \N 

Is  a  new  and  thriving  village,  25  miles  from  New-York; 
a  short  distance  above  which  is  Sunnyside,  the  Abbot sford 
of  America — the  residence  of  Irving.  The  care  of  the 
Hudson  River  Railroad  convey  passengers  to  Dearnian. 

I'IKHMONT,  NlUni  TAPI'AX  KM)AT. 

Tliis  village  liaving  been  selected  for  the  eastern  termi- 
nus of  the  New-York  and  Erie  Railroad,  the  secluded  little 
Dutch  settlement  of  the  "Sloat"  has  received  the  classic 
toubriquct  of  "  Piermont,"  and  is  now  an  important  town 
of  Rockland  county.  Its  site  is  now  covered  l>v  handsome 
public  and  private  edifices,  which  form  a  striking  contrast 
with  the  little  Dutch  houses  of  its  primitive  inhabitants. 

The  Erie  Railroad  extends  from  this  point  to  Dunkirk 
on  Lake  Erie,  44f>  miles.  Three  miles  west  of  Piermont  ia 
Tappan,  the  head-quarters  of  Washington  for  a  time,  and 
the  place  where  Major  Andre  was  executed,  October  2d, 
1780.  His  grave  is  still  shown.  His  remains,  however, 
were  conveyed  some  years  aero  to  England. 

A  pier  about  one  mile  in  length,  which  forms  the  com- 
mencement of  the  railroad  just  mentioned,  extends  over 
the  flats  to  a  commodious  dock,  near  the  channel  of  the 
river.    Piermont  is  24  miles  from  New- York. 


EXCURSIONS. 

A  Sail. — 'Weehawken  and  the  Elysian  Fields.  This 
pleasant  resort  is  of  very  easy  access,  by  means  c  f  the 
■?oats  which  cross  the  Hudson  every  few  moments  from 


EXCURSIONS. 


37 


the  foot  of  Barclay,  Canal  and  Christopher  streets,  landing 
at  Hoboken,  half  a  mile  north  of  which  is  the  spot  known 
as  the  Elysian  Fields. 

A  Drive. — One  of  the  loveliest  spots  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  New-York,  and  one  at  the  same  time  less 
resorted  to  than  almost  any  other,  is  Throg's  Point,  16 
miles  from  the  city,  the  termination  at  Long  Island  Sound 
of  Throg's,  or  more  properly,  Throgmorton's  Neck.  This 
point  is  the  dividing  headland  between  the  East  river  and 
the  Sound,  and  affords  a  charming  view  of  the  bright 
waters  of  the  one,  and  of  the  noble  expanse  of  the  other. 

Fort  Schuyler,  on  the  point,  is  also  worthy  of  notice ; 
although  not  yet  garrisoned,  the  strength  and  solidity  of 
its  masonry,  and  its  curious  defenses,  repay  a  visit.  A 
carriage  may  be  taken  at  the  city,  and  a  day  spent  enjoy- 
ably  in  seeing  Throg's  Point,  the  Fort,  and  Pelliam  Bridge. 
At  the  bridge,  parties  may  get  a  comfortable  dinner. 
Those  who  wish  to  save  time  and  expense  in  making  this 
trip,  should  take  the  Harlem  cars  for  Fordham,  12  miles, 
and  there  engage  a  carriage,  by  which  arrangement  they 
will  be  able  to  accomplish  their  design  with  less  outlay, 
and  perhaps  with  much  less  fatigue  than  by  driving 
directly  from  town. 

To  Astoria. — Those  who  wish  to  see  a  thriving  town, 
and  also  to  view  the  scenery  of  Hell  Gate,  will  do  well  to 
take  the  boat  for  Astoria,  from  the  foot  of  Fulton  street, 
East  river.  In  this  way,  at  a  trifling  cost,  they  may 
receive  much  pleasure.  It  is  to  be  observed  that  the  fury 
of  Hell  Gate  is  somewhat  impaired  by  the  recent  removal 
of  the  rocks  which  lined  the  channel.  Indeed,  before  this, 
it  had  sensibly  deteriorated  in  impetuosity — a  fact  owing, 
as  is  supposed,  to  the  docking  out  at  New- York,  which 
deepened  the  water  and  lessened  the  roar.  An  old  lady, 
long  a  resident  of  Hunt's  Point,  informed  the  writer,  that 
in  her  memory  the  sound  of  the  waters  was  at  times 
distinctly  heard  at  the  point,  a  distance  of  three  miles. 

To  Sandy  Hook. — A  capital  idea  of  the  configuration  of 
New- York  bay  is  to  be  had  by  taking  the  boat  for  Shrews- 
bury and  Long  Branch,  which  every  day  in  summer  leaves 
the  foot  of  Robinson  street,  North  river,  and  Peck  Slip, 
East  river,  for  these  localities.  The  time  of  the  boat's 
etarting  may  be  learned  from  the  daily  papers. 
4 


CITY  OF  NEW-YOKK. 


To  West  Point.— Tlie  visitor  must  not  fail  to  see  West 
Point,  that  gem  of  the  Highlands,  for  the  possession  of 
which  Andre  lost  his  life,  and  for  whose  attempted 
betrayal  Arnold  lias  been  visited  with  the  reprobation  of 
mankind.  The  1 1  odaon  Hirer  Railroad  affords  every  facility 
far  mdriag  this  exclusion.  Take  the  care  for  Garrison's, 
(fifty  milca,)  at  which  point  a  ferry  crosses  to  the  other  side 
M  the  river.  A  day  may  thus  be  spent  in  the  Highlands 
with  L'r.at  dcliidit,  bringing  improvement  to  the  health, 
and  furnishing  tlie  memory  with  a  rich  landscape,  painted 
as  only  nature  can  paint  it  upon  the  mind.  There  Li  an 
excellent  hotel  at  West  Point 

To  Cuoto.n  Dam. — Croton,  a  village  35  miles  from  New- 
York,  on  the  Hudson  River  Railroad,  is  but  a  short  walk 
from  the  famous  Croton  Dam.  Here  a  lake  five  miles  in 
extent,  covering  400  acres,  is  formed  by  a  darn  250  feet  in 
length  and  38  feet  in  width  at  the  base,  stretching  across 
the  Croton  river.  It  is  estimated  to  contain  650,000,000 
of  gallons,  and  will  allow  a  discharge  of  60,000,000  of 
gallons  daily.  This  place  is  well  worth  visiting.  Care 
leave  the  Chambers  street  dej.>6t,  stopping  to  take  up 
passengers  at  Thirty -fourth  street  A  line  of  Broadway 
omnibuses  convey  passengers  to  the  upper  dcjxjt 


PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

CITY  II  ALL. 

The  City  Hall  is  one  of  the  most  prominent  buildings 
in  New-York,  standing  near  the  centre  of  the  Park,  an 
area  of  about  ten  acres.  From  this  situation  it  is  seen 
in  every  direction  to  great  advantage.  A  few  years  since, 
it  was  regarded  as  the  finest  building  in  the  city,  and 
now,  with  its  interesting  furniture  and  associations,  com- 
mands great  attention.  Tlie  front  and  ends  are  of  white 
marble  from  Stockbridge,  Mass.,  but  the  back  is  constructed 
of  free-stone.  At  the  time  it  was  built,  marble  was  expen- 
sive, and  it  was  determined  to  finish  the  back  with 
cheaper  stone.  It  was  maintained  that  the  population 
would  never,  to  any  extent,  settle  above  Chambers  street; 
and  therefore  the  rear  of  the  hall  woidd  seldom  be  6een. 


PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


39 


The  corner-stone  was  laid  on  the  26th  of  September,  1803, 
during  the  prevalence  of  the  yellow  fever.  It  was  finished 
in  1812,  and  the  expense,  exclusive  of  furniture,  amounted 
to  half  a  million  of  dollars.  The  architect  of  the  City  Hall 
was  John  MoComb,  Jr.,  who,  at  an  advanced  age,  survived 
until  Ma}-,  1853. 

The  City  Hall  is  216  feet  long,  105  wide,  and  51  high. 
It  is  two  stories  high  above  the  basement*  with  a  third  or 
attic  story  in  the  centre  building,  from  which  rises  a 
cupola.  In  the  upper  part  of  the  cupola  a  man  is  lodged, 
whose  business  it  is  to  give  alarm  in  case  of  fire,  by  ring- 
ing the  big  bell,  which  occupies  a  small  cupola  at  the 
back  part  of  the  roof.  This  bell  is  rung  in  cases  of  fire, 
when  it  indicates,  by  the  number  of  its  strokes,  the  part  of 
the  city  where  the  fire  is  located.  The  City  Hall  bell 
weighs  10,000  lbs. :  it  is,  with  one  exception,  the  largest  in 
New-York.  There  are  four  entrances  to  the  building — one 
in  front,  one  in  the  rear,  and  one  in  each  end :  the  latter 
communicates  with  the  basement  apartments.  The  front 
entrance  is  on  the  first  story,  to  which  there  is  access  by  a 
flight  of  twelve  marble  steps,  surmounted  by  a  portico  of 
sixteen  columns.  In  the  centre  of  the  rear  of  the  building 
there  is  a  projecting  pediment.  The  first  story,  including 
the  portico,  is  of  the  Ionic  style,  the  second  of  the  Corin- 
thian, the  attic  of  the  fancy,  and  the  cupola  of  the  com- 
posite. In  the  centre  there  is  a  double  staircase,  ascended 
by  marble  steps,  at  the  top  of  which  is  a  circular  gallery, 
ornamented  with  ten  marble  columns,  which  support  the 
ceiling.  In  the  building  there  are  twenty-eight  offices  and 
public  rooms.  The  Governor's  room  is  a  long  hall,  running- 
52  feet  from  wing  to  wing.  It  is  used  as  a  reception-hall 
by  the  Governor,  Mayor,  and  other  distinguished  men. 
Its  walls  are  hung  with  some  of  the  finest  pictures  in  Ame- 
rica, consisting  principally  of  portraits  of  great  national 
characters.  Among  them  are  the  Governors  of  New-York, 
Mayors  of  the  city  since  the  Revolution,  some  of  the  Dutch 
Governors,  and  the  principal  naval  and  military  heroes  of 
the  late  war.  These  were  painted  by  Jarvis,  Sully, 
Stewart,  Inrnan,  Page,  and  some  other  distinguished  artists. 
The  Common  Council  hall  is  a  beautiful  room,  42  feet  long 
and  30  wide.  It  contains  some  fine  portraits,  and  the 
chair  which  was  occupied  by  Washington  when  President  of 


to 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


the  first  Congress.  Tlic  Assistant  Aldermen's  hall  is  e pacioua. 
elegantly  furnished,  and  hung  with  valuable  paintings, 
Acce-s  to  these  rooms  und  the  roof,  free  of  expense,  may 
be  had  by  any  person,  by  inquiring  at  the  keeper's  room. 
The  keeper  has  no  right  to  ask  for  remuneration,  as  he 
receives  a  salary  from  the  city  to  attend  to  this  business; 
but  a  small  gratuity  is  usually  given  in  acknowledgment 
of  polite  attention.  The  City  Jlall,  with  its  many  interest- 
ing relics  and  paintings,  is  much  visited,  and  is  well  wor- 
thy the  attention  of  the  stranger  and  citizen.  The  picture* 
Well  repay  the  time  spent  in  their  examination. 

II ALL  OF  KECOItVH. 

This  building,  situated  in  the  Park,  east  of  the  C'itv  Hall, 
was  formerly  a  city  prison,  when  it  presented  a  very  gloomy 
and  unsightly  appearance,  being  built  of  coarse  black 
stone.  It  has  since  been  stuccoed  in  imitation  of  marble, 
and  two  lofty  porticoes  added,  consisting  of  four  marble 
Ionic  columns  at  each  end.  Its  name  indicates  its  present 
use.  It  was  used  during  the  time  of  the  prevalence  of  the 
cholera,  in  1832,  as  an  hospital 

HALLS  OF  JCSTICE. 

TliLs  building  occupies  the  space  between  Centre,  Elm, 
Leonard  and  Franklin  streets,  tne  site  of  the  old  Collect,  a 
filthy  pond,  which  had  its  outlet  through  Canal  6treet 
Tlic  Halls  of  Justice  is  a  much-admired  specimen  of  modern- 
ized Egyptian  architecture.  It  is  built  of  light  granite 
from  Hallowell,  Maine.  It  is  253  feet  long,  and  200  wide, 
and  occupies  the  four  sides  of  a  hollow  square,  with  a 
large  centre  building  within  the  area.  The  front  is  ap- 
proached by  eight  steps,  leading  to  a  portico  of  four  mass- 
ive Egyptian  columns.  The  windows,  which  extend  to 
the  height  of  two  stories,  have  massive  iron  grated  frames, 
surmounted  with  cornices,  ornamented  with  a  winged  globe 
and  serpents.  The  two  fronts  on  Leonard  and  Franklin 
streets  have  each  two  entrances,  with  two  massive  columns 
each.  The  gloomy  aspect  of  this  building  has  won  for  it 
the  general  name  of  "  The  Tombs,"  It  is  occupied  by  the 
Court  of  Sessions,  a  police  court,  and  some  other  court- 
rooms, besides  a  prison  for  male  and  female  offenders 


PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


41 


awaiting  trial.  The  open  court  within  the  walls,  is  used 
as  a  place  of  execution  for  State  criminals. 

The  house  of  detention  is  a  distinct  and  isolated  building, 
142  feet  in  length,  by  45  in  width.  It  contains  148  cells. 
The  lower  cells  are  6  feet  9  inches  wide,  11  feet  high  and 
15  feet  long,  diminishing  18  inches  in  length  in  each  story. 
They  are  provided  with  cast  iron  water-closets,  hydrant, 
water-cocks,  ventilators,  and  are  warmed  by  hot  water 
pipes.  Every  part  of  the  building  is  constructed  in  the 
most  substantial  manner,  and  with  particular  reference  to 
the  security  of  the  prisoners.  The  building  was  finished 
in  18SS.  The  female  department  is  entered  from  Leonard 
street.  It  is  superintended  by  a  matron,  who  keeps  it  in 
the  most  perfect  order  and  neatness.  She  is  very  attentive 
to  visitors,  who  can  always  have  gratuitous  access,  between 
10  A.M.  and  2  P.M.  The  male  prison  opens  on  Franklin 
street.  Persons  can  gain  admittance  here,  on  application 
for  a  written  permit  at  the  keeper's  room,  between  10  A. 
ML  and  3  P.M. 

CUSTOM-IIOUSE. 

This  building  equals  any  in  the  world,  both  in  the 
beauty  of  its  design  and  the  durability  of  its  construction. 
It  is  situated  on  the  corner  of  Wall  and  Nassau  streets.  The 
building  is  in  the  form  of  a  parallelogram,  200  feet  long 
by  90  wide,  and  about  80  feet  in  height.  Brick,  granite 
and  marble  were  used  in  its  construction;  but  its  outside 
is  entirely  of  marble  from  Massachusetts,  except  the  steps. 
It  is  designed  in  imitation  of  the  Parthenon  at  Athens,  in 
the  Doric  order.  At  the  southern  end,  on  Wall  street,  is  a 
portico  of  eight  purely  Doric  columns,  5  feet  8  inches  in 
diameter,  and  32  feet  high;  and  on  the  opposite  end,  on 
Pine  street,  is  a  corresponding  portico;  on  each  side  are  13 
pilasters,  in  keeping  with  the  front  pillars.  The  front  por- 
tico is  ascended  by  18  granite  steps.  The  interior  is  divided 
into  a  grand  rotunda  and  numerous  spacious  rooms  for  the 
accommodation  of  officers.  The  rotunda  is  a  magnificent 
room,  60  friet  in  diameter;  the  dome  supported  by  16  Co- 
rinthian columns,  30  feet  high.  These  columns  are  beauti- 
fully wrought,  the  capitals  being  of  the  most  exquisite 
Italian  workmanship.  The  largest  blocks  of  marble  used 
in  the  building  weigh  33  tons.  The  ceilings  of  the  apart- 
4* 


42 


CITY  OF  NKW-YORK. 


ments  are  arched,  arid  liahlj  IMIHTOlllllI  with  stuc co.  Tlie 
roof  is  of  marble ;  tin-  slabs  weigh  over  .'iOo  pounds,  mid  lap 
over  each  oilier  Sight  inches,  to  allow  of  the  expansive 
power  and  to  keep  out  water.  There  is  not  a  particle  of 
wood  in  any  part  of  the  building,  and  it  is  probably  the 
only  structure  in  the  world  that  has  been  erected  so  nearly 
fire-proof.  The  building  was  commenced  in  Mav,  1834, 
and  finished  in  Mav,  1841.  The  cost,  ground  included, 
was  $1,11)5,000 — building  alone,  $950,000.  Hie  architect 
was  John  f'nizee.  The  exquisite  ornamental  work  was 
designed  and  executed  by  Horace  Kneeland,  since  become 
famous  as  a  sculptor.  The  number  of  officers  employed 
in  the  Custom-House  is  .013.  The  building  may  be  \isited 
by  the  stranger  any  time  during  the  day,  Hn  lO  A.M.  to 
3  P.M.  He  will  do  well  to  enter  at  the  side  door  in  Nas- 
sau street,  and  from  thence  ascend  to  the  roof,  inspecting 
the  various  rooms  as  he  goes  up.  The  key  of  the  roof 
scuttle  may  be  had  by  inquiring  at  3113*  of  the  offices  on 
the  upper  floor.  Here  is  no  objection  to  the  stranger's 
visiting  any  part  of  the  building.  The  roof  commands  a 
fine  view  of  the  harbor. 

MERCHANTS'  EXCHANGE. 

The  Merchants'  Exchange  is  located  between  Wall  street, 
Exchange  Place,  William  and  Hanover  streets.  It  is  built 
in  the  most  substantial  form,  of  blue  Quincy  granite,  and  is 
200  feet  long  by  171  to  141  feet  wide,  77  feet  high  to  the 
top  of  the  cornice,  and  124  to  the  top  of  the  dome.  The 
front  on  Wall  street  has  a  recessed  portico  of  18  massive 
Grecian  Ionic  columns,  38  feet  high  and  4  feet  4  inches  in 
diameter,  each  formed  from  a  solid  block  of  stone,  and 
weighing  45  tons.  Besides  numerous  rooms  for  various 
purposes,  the  rotunda  in  the  centre  is  80  feet  in  diameter, 
with  four  recesses,  making  the  length  and  breadth  each 
100  feet,  the  whole  80  feet  high,  surmounted  with  a  dome, 
resting  in  part  on  eight  Corinthian  columns  of  Italian  mar- 
ble, 41  feet  high,  and  lighted  by  a  skylight  25  feet  in 
diameter.  The  granite  columns  cost  $3,000  each  They 
are  the  largest  whole  columns  in  the  world,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  a  church  in  St  Petei-sburgh.  The  rotunda  is  80 
feet  in  diameter,  and  will  hold  3,000  persons.  The  archi 
tect  was  Isaiah  Rogers.    The  building  cost  a  little  more 


PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


•13 


than  a  million  of  dollars.  It  belongs  to  a  corporation, 
and  has  been  so  far  a  losing  investment,  although  its  rooms 
command  enormous  rents.  It  contains  a  very  extensive 
readiusr-room  for  merchant  subscribers,  accessible  only  to 
the  stranger  by  introduction  from  a  member,  and  the 
Board  of  Brokers  occupy  a  room.  The  rotunda  is  used  at 
2  o'clock  as  an  exchange  by  the  merchants,  and  at  other 
hours  by  auctioneers  for  the  sale  of  real  estate  and  stocks. 
The  stranger  may  visit  all  parts  of  the  building. 

POST  OFFICE. 

The  Post  Office  building,  formerly  the  Middle  Dutch 
Church,  is  situated  in  Nassau  street,  between  Cedar  and 
Liberty  streets.  This  building  has  stood  over  a  hundred 
and  fifty  years,  and  nine  generations  have  worshipped  at 
its  altar.  It  is  not  generally  known  that  its  steeple,  and 
much  of  its  interior  wood-work,  was  brought  from  Hol- 
land. During  the  Revolutionary  War,  most  of  the  churches 
were  used  by  the  British,  and  many  of  them  much  injured, 
but  tliis  church  suffered  most,  being  used  successively  as  a 
riding-school,  a  prison,  and  an  hospital.  In  1790,  it  was 
repaired  and  used  for  public  worship  again.  The  United 
States  Government  some  years  ago  converted  it  into  a  Post 
Office,  and  pay  for  its  use  the  annual  rent  of  ten  thousand 
dollars.  It  now  presents  the  appearance  of  a  Post  Office  in 
the  heart  of  a  graveyard ;  a  circumstance  quite  character- 
istic of  New- York  enterprise.  The  numerous  signs  which 
appear  on  the  building,  point  out  the  various  points  of 
communication  with  the  ulterior.  Its  internal  arrange- 
ments are  very  extensive  and  commodious.  The  Postmas- 
ter's room  is  so  situated  that  he  can  see  every  thing  going 
on  in  the  building.  Office  hours  from  8  A.M.  to  7  P.M. 
On  Sundays,  from  9  to  10  A.M.,  and  from  12*  to  If  P.M 
There  are  Penny  Postmen  attached  to  the  office,  who  go 
their  rounds  twice  a  day,  and  deliver  letters  and  papers  to 
all  who  request  them. 

I'N'ITED  STATES  ASSAY  OFFICE. 

This  is  in  the  rear  of  the  granite  building  adjoining 
the  Custom  House.  Its  object  is  the  determination  of 
the  value  of  the  gold  brought  into  New  York,  and  the 
preparation  of  it  for  coinage  by  the  United  States  Mint 


44 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


at  Philadelphia,  or  for  transhipment  in  bars  to  foreign 
Bonn  trim;  and  has  all  the  machinery  requisite  for  these 
purposes.  The  front,  building  is  occupied  by  the  Sub- 
Trca*urer's  Office  and  Weighing  Room,  and  byth<-  private 
rooTns  of  various  incumbents  of  Government  Offices. 
About  fifty  men  are  employed  in  the  Assay  Office,  and 
the  processes  of  melting,  refining,  and  parting  the  gold, 
are  extremely  interesting.  The  fineness  of  the  bars 
manufactured  at  the  Assay  Office  is  "Vow,  a  success  not 
hitherto  equalled  by  any  other  similar  establishment. 

This  office  is  one  of  great  importance  to  the  commerce 
of  New  York.  A  single  arrival  from  California  on  an 
average  brings  it  a  deposit  of  nearly  a  million  and  a 
quarter  of  dollars  in  value,  and  such  arrivals  occur  weekly. 

NKw.YOKK  umvciMxrr, 

Situated  between  Washington  Place  and  Wavcilv  Place, 
fronts  Washington  Square  towards  the  west,  forming  a 
noble  ornament  to  the  eitv,  being  built  of  Westchester 
marble,  and  exhibits  a  specimen  of  the  English  collegiate 
style  of  architecture. 

"The  building  is  180  feet  long  and  100  wide.  It  was 
founded  in  1831. 

In  front  this  oblong  is  divided  into  five  parts— a  central 
building,  with  wings  flanked  by  towers,  one  rising  on  each 
of  the  four  corners  of  the  edifice.  This  central  building  or 
chapel  is  superior  to  the  rest  in  breadth,  heiirht,  and  cha- 
racter, and  is  somewhat  similar  to  that  of  King's  College, 
Cambridge,  England — a  masterpiece  of  pointed  architect- 
ure, and  a  model  for  succeeding  ages.  It  is  fifty-five  feet 
broad  and  eighty-five  feet  deep,  including  the  octangular 
turrets,  one  of  which  rises  at  each  of  the  four  corners. 
The  two  ends  are  gabled,  and  are,  as  well  as  the  sides, 
crowned  with  an  embattled  parapet.  The  chapel  receives 
its  principal  light  from  a  window  in  the  western  end.  This 
window  is  twenty-four  feet  wide  and  fifty  high.  From 
the  central  building,  or  chapel,  wings  project  right  and 
left,  the  windows  of  which  have  square  heads,  with  two 
lights,  a  plain  transom,  and  the  upper  division  trefoiled. 
The  principal  entrance  is  under  the  great  western  window. 
The  doors  are  of  oak,  richly  panelled,  and  filled  with  tra- 
cery of  open  work,  closely  studded  with  bronze. 


PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


45 


The  institution  has  a  chancellor  and  eleven  professors. 
It  has  in  its  collegiate  department  150  students,  and  a  valu- 
able library  and  philosophical  apparatus.  Connected  with 
it  is  an  extensive  grammar  school  and  a  flourishing  medical 
department  The  whole  number  of  students  is  about  700. 
Commencement,  third  Monday  in  July. 

The  chapel  is  probably  the  most  beautiful  room  of  the 
kind  in  America.  It  is  open  to  the  public  on  Sundays  for 
religious  worship.  The  Library  and  rooms  of  the  New- 
York  Historical  Society  are  in  the  building.  The  building 
ia  accessible  to  the  visitor  at  all  times. 

COLUMBIA  COLLEGE. 

Columbia  College  is  situated  at  the  foot  of  Park  Place, 
near  Broadway.  It  had  extensive  grounds  formerly,  orna- 
mented with  a  large  growth  of  forest  trees.  It  was  char- 
tered by  George  II.,  in  1754,  by  the  name  of  King's  Col- 
lege, and  confirmed,  with  the  necessary  alterations,  by  the 
Legislature  of  New- York,  in  1787.  It  has  a  president  and 
ten  professors,  150  students,  and  16,000  volumes  in  its 
libraries.  The  building  is  200  feet  long  and  50  feet  wide, 
with  two  projecting  wings,  one  at  each  end,  in  which  are 
accommodations  for  the  families  of  the  professors.  It  con- 
tains a  chapel,  lecture-rooms,  hall,  museum,  and  an  exten- 
sive philosophical  and  chemical  apparatus.  There  is  a 
flourishing  grammar  school  attached  to  the  institution, 
over  which  a  professor  presides  as  rector. 

THE  FREE  ACADEMY 

Is  on  Lexington  avenue,  corner  of  Twenty-third  street^ 
and  may  easily  be  reached  by  taking  a  Broadway  and 
Fourth  Avenue  omnibus,  or  the  Harlem  rail-cars,  opposite 
the  Astor  House.  The  building  is  80  feet  wide,  by  125  feet 
deep,  and  is  intended  to  accommodate  1,000  pupils.  It  is 
in  the  style  of  the  town-halls  of  the  Netherlands,  and  is 
well  adapted  for  its  purpose,  besides  being  a  conspicuous 
ornament  to  the  upper  part  of  the  city. 

The  cost  of  the  ground  was  $20,000,  of  the  building 
$50,000,  while  the  various  appliances  of  apparatus  and  fur- 
niture have  cost  $10,000.  The  only  requisites  for  admis- 
sion are  a  knowledge  of  the  branches  taught  in  the  public 


4C 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


schools ;  it  being  also  required  that  the  applicant  should 
have  been  a  pupil  in  one  of  these  schools  for  at  least  one 

year. 

It  may  be  added  that  the  graduates  of  few  of  our  col- 
leges could  pass  the  final  examination  at  the  Free 
Academy. 

THE  ASTOK  I.IBRAHT. 

Lafayette  Tlace,  between  Fourth  street  and  Astor  Flaee. 
A  codicil  appended  to  the  will  of  the  late  John  Jacob 
Astor,  and  dated  August  22d,  1839,  is  as  follows: 

"  Desiring  to  render  a  public  benefit  to  the  city  of  New- 
York,  and  to  contribute  to  the  advancement  of  useful 
knowledge  and  the  general  good  of  society,  I  do,  by  this 
codicil,  appropriate  1400,000,  out  of  my  residue  estate,  to 
the  establishment  of  a  Public  Library  in  the  city  of  New- 
York  ;  the  said  amount  to  be  disposed  of  as  follows: 

"  1.  In  the  erecting  of  a  suitable  building  for  a  public 
library. 

"  2."  In  furnishing  and  supplying  the  same,  from  time  to 
time,  with  books,  maps,  chart*,  models,  drawings,  paint- 
inga,  engravings,  casts,  statues,  furniture,  and  other  things 
appertaining  to  a  library  for  general  use,  upon  the  most 
ample  scale  and  liberal  character. 

"  3.  In  maintaining  and  upholding  the  buildings  and 
other  property,  and  in  defraying  the  necessary  expenses  of 
taking  care  of  the  property,  and  of  the  accommodation  of 
persons  consulting  the  library. 

"The  said  sum  shall  be  payable,  one  third  in  the  year 
after  my  decease,  one  third  in  the  year  following,  and  the 
residue'in  equal  sums,  in  the  fourth  and  fifth  year  of  my 
decease. 

"  The  said  library  is  to  be  accessible,  at  all  reasonable 
hours  and  times,  for  general  use,  free  of  expense  to  per- 
sons resorting  thereto,  subject  only  to  such  control  and 
regulations  as  the  trustees  may  from  time  to  time  exercise 
and  establish  for  general  convenience." 

In  the  further  provisions  of  the  codicil,  twelve  trustees 
were  appointed  to  conduct  the  affairs  and  to  hold  the  pro- 
perty of  the  institution.  Also,  the  sum  of  $75,000  was 
appropriated  to  be  expended  in  the  erection  of  the  build- 
ing, and  $120,000  to  the  purchase  of  books  and  other 


ASTOR  LIBRARY.   Page  46. 


PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


-17 


objects  in  the  establishment  of  the  library,  and  the  residue, 
after  paying  for  the  site,  to  be  invested  as  a  fund  for  the 
maintenance  and  gradual  increase  of  the  library. 

In  accordance  with  the  foregoing  directions  of  Mr.  Astor, 
a  suitable  building  has  been  erected,  and  a  collection 
amounting  to  about  80,000  volumes  has  been  judiciously 
arranged  within  its  walls. 

Dr.  Cogswell,  the  learned  and  courteous  librarian,  has 
contributed  about  1,000  bibliographical  works,  considering 
that  department  "  of  the  first  importance  in  the  formation 
of  a  new  and  extensive  library." 

The  building  is  on  the  easterly  side  of  Lafayett,e  Place. 
The  dimensions  of  the  site  were  fixed  by  the  founder  of 
the  library ;  and  the  edifice,  65  front,  by  120  in  depth, 
covers  the  whole  area. 

Out  of  the  thirty  plans  submitted  for  an  edifice,  there 
were  none  found  suited  to  the  purposes  of  the  library, 
though  premiums  of  three  and  two  hundred  dollars  were 
awarded  to  the  two  best  plans.  Under  the  direction, 
however,  of  Mr.  Alexander  Saeltzer,  from  Berlin,  who 
obtained  the  first  premium,  a  plan  was  drawn  which  was 
finally  adopted  on  the  10th  of  December,  1849.  The  trus- 
tees, though  at  first  somewhat  embarrassed  with  the 
limitation  of  the  cost  of  the  building  to  §75,000,  have  still 
succeeded  in  erecting  a  substantial  and  beautiful  edifice. 
The  height  from  foundation  to  roof  is  70  feet.  It  is  built 
in  the  style  of  the  Royal  Palaces  of  Florence,  and  is  partly 
composed  of  brown  cut  stone,  and  partly  of  brick.  The 
truss-beams  supporting  the  roof  are  made  of  cast  iron 
pipes,  in  a  parabolic  form. 

The  first  floor  contains  the  Lecture  and  Reading-Rooms, 
with  accommodations  for  500  persons.  The  latter  are 
located  on  either  side  of  the  building,  and  separated  from 
the  Library  Hall  stairway  at  the  front  entrance  by  two 
corridors  leading  to  the  rear  vestibule,  and  from  thence  to 
the  Lecture-Room,  &c. 

The  basement  contains  the  Keeper's  rooms,  cellars,  coal, 
vaults,  furnaces  for  warming,  <tc.  The  floors  are  com- 
posed of  richly  wrought  mosaic  work,  resting  on  iron 
beams. 

A  single  flitrht  of  thirty-eight  Italian  marble  steps, 
decorated  on  cither  side  of  the  entrance  by  a  stone  sphinx, 


48 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


leads  nearly  to  the  centre  of  tin-  Library  Hall  in  tlie  second 
story.  This  is  surrounded  by  fourteen  brick  piers, 
plastered  and  finished  in  imitation  of  Italian  marble,  and 
supporting  iron  galleries  midway  between  the  floor  and 
the  ceiling.  I Jy  four  iron  spiral  stairways  from  the  corners 
of  the  room  the  main  gallery  is  reached,  and  the  intcr- 
niediate  gallery,  of  a  lighter  description,  is  connected  with 
the  main  gallery  by  eight  staircases.  The  whole  is  very 
ingeniously  arranged,  and  appropriately  ornamented  in  a 
style  corresponding  with  the  general  architecture  of  the 
building.  At  an  elevation  of  SI  feet  above  is  tli<-  principal 
skylight,  54  feet  long  by  14  broad,  and  formed  of  thick 
glass  set  in  iron.  Besides  this,  there  are  circular  side  sky- 
lights of  smaller  dimensions.  These,  in  connection  w  ith  the 
side  and  rear  window  s,  furnish  all  needful  light  Iron  fret- 
work, in  different  parts  of  the  ceiling,  secures  a  full  ventila- 
tion. In  the  extreme  rear  are  the  two  librarian's  rooms, 
which  are  accessible  by  means  of  the  main  galleries.  The 
present  number  of  volumes  in  the  library  is  80,000,  which 
have  cost  about  $120,000. 

THE  NEW  BIHLE  IIOISE. 

One  of  the  largest  buildings  in  New-York  is  the  new 
Bible  House,  oecupving  about  three  fourths  of  an  acre  of 
ground,  bounded  by  Third  and  Fourth  Avenues  and  Eighth 
and  Ninth  streets,  the  property  of  the  American  Bible 
Society.  The  shape  of  the  building  is  nearly  a  triangle, 
with  unequal  sides.  It  has  a  front  of  198  feet  on  Fourth 
Avenue,  202  feet  on  Eighth  street,  96  feet  on  Third  Avenue, 
and  232  on  Ninth  street,  making  a  total  front  of  over  700 
feet  The  depth  of  the  building  is  50  feet  There  is  a 
large  area  in  the  centre. 

The  height  of  the  building  from  the  sidewalk  is  over  70 
feet,  divided  into  six  stories,  ft  is  substantially  built  of 
brick,  with  brown  stone  trimmings,  and  has  cost  between 
$250,000  and  $800,000.  The  building  is  commanding  in 
appearance.  Oecupving  a  block  by  itself,  it  is  safe  from 
exposure  to  fires,  and  from  damage  to  books  in  the  pro- 
cess of  manufacture,  bv  dust,  smoke,  or  vapor  from  other 
buildings,  as  none  are  adjoining.  It  also  has  every  facility 
of  light  and  air ;  and  from  it  is  had  a  most  commanding 

riew  of  the  surrounding  city  and  country,  land  and 

yater. 


PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


49 


The  principal  entrance,  on  Fourth  Avenue,  is  decorated 
by  four  round  columns,  with  Corinthian  capitals  and 
moulded  bases,  resting  upon  panelled  and  moulded  pedes- 
tals, and  semicircular  arches  are  placed  between  the 
columns  to  form  the  heads  of  doors,  <fec. ;  and  all  sur- 
mounted with  a  heavy  cornice  and  segment  pediment. 
This  ornamental  work  reaches  to  the  height  of  five  stories. 
In  a  nitch  in  the  fourth  story  of  this  rich  work  stands  a 
large-sized  draped  female  figure,  carved  in  brown  stone, 
representing  Religion,  pointing  with  one  hand  to  heaven, 
and  with  the  other  to  an  open  Bible,  the  guide  to  immor- 
tality. 

The  receipts  of  the  Society  the  first  year  of  its  opera- 
tions, 1816-17,  were  $37,779  35  ;  and  it  issued  6,410 
Bibles,  but  no  Testaments.  Its  income  has  continued  to 
increase,  with  some  fluctuations,  but  rapidly,  until,  in  the 
thirty -sixth  year  of  its  operations,  1851-52,  its  receipts 
reached  the  sum  of  $308,744  81 ;  and  its  distributions 
amounted  to  221,450  Bibles,  and  444,565  Testaments. 
Since  its  organization,  the  Society  has  received  about 
$4,500,000,  and  has  put  into  circulation  an  aggregate  of 
about  9,000,000  Bibles  and  Testaments.  Of  the"  above 
income,  it  has  made  grants  amounting  to  $500,000  to  aid 
in  the  publication  of  the  Scriptures  at  various  missionary 
stations  in  foreign  lands.  It  has  supplied  thousands  of 
seamen  with  the  Scriptures  ;  and  sent  them  by  seamen  to 
nearly  every  part  of  the  world.  Criminals  in  jails  and 
penitentiaries  have  been  supplied  ;  rooms  in  many  of  the 
hotels  and  many  of  the  railroad  station-houses  have  been 
furnished.  The  Bible  has  also  been  carried  into  hundreds 
of  thousands  of  families  throughout  the  country.  Deposi- 
tories for  the  Bible  have  been  opened  in  every  part  of  the 
land.  At  the  present  time,  the  Scriptures,  in  whole  or  in 
part,  are  in  print  in  over  200  languages;  the  American 
Bible  Society  having  published  the  whole  Bible,  or  por- 
tions of  it,  in  24  tongues,  and  aided  in  issuing  it  in  others. 

In  addition  to  the  apartments  of  the  Society,  the  Bible 
House  cotitains  a  great  number  of  well-arranged  offices,  to 
which  access  is  mainly  had  by  the  entrance  on  the  Fourth 
Avenue  side.  The  following  organizations  have  their 
rooms  iu  the  building:  namely,  The  Protestant  Episcopal 
Society  for  the  Promotion  of  Evangelical  Knowledge  ;  the 
5 


50 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions; 
American  Home  Missionary  Society;  Protestant  Episcopal 
Foreign  and  Domestic  Committees;  New-York  State 
Colonization  Society  ;  the  Society  for  the  Amelioration  of 
the  Condition  of  the  Jews ;  House  of  Refuge ;  Children's 
Aid  Society;  Home  of  the  Friendless,  and  the  New-"iork 
Society  Library.  The  room  of  the  managers  of  the  Ameri- 
can Bible  Society  is  a  chapel-like  building,  extending  into 
the  yard  from  the  Fourth  Avenue  front  The  total  num- 
ber of  persons  employed  in  the  building  when  the  Society 
is  in  operation,  is  about  580. 

The  building  is  supplied  with  Croton,  lighted  by  gas, 
and  warmed  by  steam.  The  steam  boiler-room  is  in  the 
yard.  The  building  is  divided  into  four  distinct  parts  by 
fire-proof  walls  and  doors.  There  is  no  fire  in  the  build- 
ing, except  in  the  stores. 

TITE  COOPEK  INI  OX. 

With  a  munificence  never,  as  we  believe,  equalled  in 
New-York  by  a  living  man,  Mr.  Peter  Cooper,  a  merchant, 
has  set  apart  from  his  fortune  the  sum  of  $300,000  for  the 
purpose  of  founding  an  institution  to  be  called  "The 
Union  "  for  the  moral,  mental  and  physical  improvement 
of  the  youth  of  this  city,  of  the  State,  and  of  the  world. 
The  building  is  in  Astor  Place,  opposite  the  new  Bible 
House  The  edifice  is  six  stories  hitih,  occupying  a  space 
equal  in  extent  to  eight  full  lots,  each  25  feet  by  100,  or 
20  000  square  feet.  In  the  basement  is  a  commodious 
lecture-room,  135  feet  lone,  and  in  the  upper  story  an 
observatory-.  The  Union  provides  free  courses  of  lectures 
a  free  library,  rooms  for  debating  and  other  societies,  and 
an  office  for  the  benefit  of  persons  seeking  literary  employ- 
ment, where  their  names  and  wishes  may  be  registered, 
and  applications  for  their  services  received  _  The  institu- 
tion k  expected  to  open  in  the  autumn  of  1854. 


MISCELLANEOUS  PLACES  WORTH 
VISITING  IN  NEW-YORK. 


CROTON  ACQUEDUCT. 

At  the  city  charter  election  in  1835,  it  was  voted  to 
construct  this  acqueduct,  the  vote  standing  11,367  in  favor, 
and  5,963  against  it.  It  was  then  estimated  to  cost  five  or 
six  millions  of  dollars.  It  has,  however,  cost  the  city  over 
twelve  millions.  It  was  commenced  in  1837,  and  its  com- 
pletion celebrated  on  the  14th  day  of  October,  1842.  It 
is,  perhaps,  the  noblest  work  of  the  kind  in  any  country, 
not  excepting  the  monuments  of  olden  times,  which  have 
been  for  ages  the  admiration  of  the  world.  By  its  facili- 
ties we  are  supplied  with  the  very  best  of  water  for 
culinary  purposes,  and  an  unfailing  means  for  the  extin- 
guishment of  fires.  Excluding  the  grand  reservoir,  which 
is  five  miles  long,  the  length  of  the  aqueduct,  from  the 
upper  dam  to  the  distributing  reservoir  on  Murray  Hill, 
is  40J  miles.  The  dam  crosses  the  Croton  river  six  miles 
from  its  mouth,  on  the  Hudson.  This  dam  gives  an  eleva- 
tion to  the  water  of  166  feet  above  the  mean  tide  of  the 
Hudson  river.  From  this  dam  the  aqueduct  runs  south- 
erly through  the  valley  of  the  Hudson,  32  miles  to  the 
edge  of  the  Harlem  river  valley.  The  whole  of  the  dis- 
tance is  one  continuous  underground  canal,  of  stone  and 
brick  masonry.  The  Harlem  river  and  valley  is  crossed 
by  a  magnificent  bridge  of  solid  masonry.  From  the  Har- 
lem river  the  conduit  of  masonry  is  resumed,  but  again 
interrupted  by  iron  pipes  in  the  Manhattan  valley.  It 
finally  reaches  the  great  Receiving  Reservoir  on  York  Hill, 
about  five  miles  from  the  City  Hall.  The  receiving  reser- 
voir includes  an  area  of  35  acres.  It  is  1,826  feet  long, 
and  836  feet  wide,  and  divided  by  a  cross  wall  into  two 
separate  apartments.  This  reservoir  is  constructed  of 
immense  embankments  of  solid  stone  masonry.  It  will  con- 
tain 20  feet  depth  of  water,  and  150,000,000  gallons.  From 
the  receiving  reservoir  the  aqueduct  is  continued  with 
cast-iron  pipes,  two  miles  to  the  Distributing  Reservoir  at 
Murray  Hill.    This  reservoir  contains  an  area  of  more 


CITY  OF  NKW-TORK. 


than  four  acres,  and  is  2,120  feet  square.    It  u  dmded 
into  two  basins  bj  a  partition  walL    Its  enclosing  walls 
have  an  average  height  of  44*  feet  It  is  three  miles  from 
the  City  Hall.    It  is  constructed  of  solid  masonry,  with 
hollow  'walls,  built  of  granite.    It  is  in  the  Kgyptian  style 
of  architecture,  and  presents  a  very  imposing  appearance. 
It  has  angular  buttresses  projecting  from  the  wall,  and 
elevated  several  feet  above  the   main   builuing.  An 
iron  railing  encloses  the  walk  or  promenade  which  is 
formed  on  the  top  of  the  wall?.    In  the  central  pilasters 
are  doors  leading  to  the  pipe  chambers  in  the  walls,  where 
the  cocks  are  regulated.    On  the  east  side  a  door  is  cut 
and  stairs  constructed  within  the  wall,  which  ascend  to 
the  top    The  reservoir  holds  30  feet  depth  of  water,  Witt 
its  surface  1 1 6  feet  above  mean  tide.    The  basin  measures 
20  000  000  of  gallons.     From  the  distributing  reservoir 
the  water  is  drawn  through  large  cast-iron  pipes,  which 
lead  through  the  central  parts  of  the  city,  and  from  which 
the  distribution  of  water  is  made  by  small  lateral  pipes, 
diminishing  in  size  as  they  go  from  the  larger  ones.  There 
are  over  200  miles  of  these  pipes,  and  their  length  is  daily 
increasing.    The  country  for  most  of  the  distance  traversed 
bv  the  aqueduct  consists  of  a  series  of  transverse  ridges 
and  ravines,  mostly  made  up  of  rock,  all  of  which  had  to 
be  excavated,  tunnelled  or  embanked,  at  an  enormous 
expense.    There  are  sixteen  tunnels,  varying  in  length 
from  100  to  over  1,000  feet  each.  There  are  114  culverts  of 
masonry,  varying  in  span  from  1*  to  25  feet  each,  crossing 
many  farce  streams,  principally  in  Westchester  county. 
The  canal  is  built  of  stone,  brick  and  cement,  arched  over 
and  under,  6  feet  3  inches  wide  at  the  bottom,  7  feet  8 
inches  at  the  top  of  the  side  walls,  and  8  feet  5  inches 
high ;  has  a  descent  of  134.  inches  per  mile,  and  will  distri- 
bute 60  000  riOO  of  callous  in  24  hours.  The  most  important 
structure  is  the  High  Bridge  over  the  Harlem  river.  The 
Harlem  valley  is  a'quarter  of  a  mile  wide  and  the  river 
6<>0  feet-  and  the  whole  is  crossed  by  the  bridge.  Ihere 
are  eight  arches  over  the  river,  with  a  span  of  SO  feet 
each  sprinein-r  from  piers  20  feet  wide  at  the  spring  lme^ 
which  is  60  feet  above  the  surface  of  the  river  at  high 
water.    The  under  side  of  the  arches  are  100  feet  from 
the  river's  surface.    There  are  several  other  arches  spring- 


MISCELLANEOUS  PLACES  WORTH  VISITING.  53 


ing  from  the  ground,  of  50  feet  span  each.  The  whole 
structure  is  of  hewn  granite,  and  measures  1,450  feet. 
The  water  crosses  this  bridge  in  iron  pipes,  and  over  this 
there  is  a  way  wide  enough  for  carriages,  but  which  is 
open  only  to  foot-passengers. 

The  Croton  contains,  by  analysis,  about  five  grains  of 
solid  matter  to  the  gallon.  The  Schuylkill,  or  Fairmount 
water,  a  little  less.  In  proof  of  the  great  purity  of  the 
Croton  water,  we  may  mention  the  following  interesting 
fact:  In  April,  1852,  for  the  first  time  since  it  was  filled, 
in  July,  1842,  the  Distributing  Reservoir  was  drawn  off 
for  the  purpose  of  examining  the  interior,  and  making  such 
repairs  as  its  condition  might  require.  It  was  found  to  be 
as  sound  and  perfect  as  when  it  left  the  hands  of  the  con- 
tractors, (Messrs.  Thomson  Price  &  Son;)  not  the  slightest 
crack  or  settlement  being  discovered  in  the  entire  basin  ; 
though  subjected  for  ten  years  to  the  enormous  pressure 
of  two  hundred  and  fifty  millions  of  pounds.  It  may 
therefore  be  placed  among  the  most  enduring  structures 
of  modern  times.  The  sediment  found  on  its  bottom  was 
not  equal  to  one  inch  of  solid  matter  ;  and  when  it  is  con- 
sidered that  a  large  portion  of  this  is  doubtless  the  pro- 
duct of  dust  carried  into  it  by  high  winds,  it  most  satisfac- 
torily proves  how  small  a  quantity  of  foreign  matter  is 
held  in  suspension  when  the  water  arrives  in  the  city. 

The  introduction  of  the  Croton  water  has  had  the  effect  of 
reducing  the  rates  of  insurance  about  40  cents  on  the  100 
dollars.  The  facilities  for  extinguishing  fires  have  greatly 
increased,  as  there  are  fire  hydrants  at  short  intervals 
all  over  the  city.  There  are  also  free  hydrants  at  con- 
venient intervals  in  the  streets  for  public  use.  Fire  plugs 
are  not  suffered  to  be  opened,  except  by  authority  of 
certain  officers. 

From  the  last  report  of  the  Board  we  learn  that  the  daily 
delivery  in  the  city  for  a  largo  portion  of  the  years  1852 
and  1853  has  been  about  thirty  millions  of  gallons  a  day — 
often  in  the  last-named  year  at  least  five  millions  more, 
drawn  from  the  reservoirs  on  the  island — giving  to  each 
inhabitant  within  the  water  district  (not  more  man  four 
hundred  and  fifty  thousand)  a  daily  supply  of  nearly 
ninety  gallons. 

In  order  to  convey  an  idea  of  the  lavish  use  of  the 
6* 


64 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


element  on  the  part  of  the  New-Yorkers,  it  may  be  added, 
that  the  daily  supply  of  the  city  of  London,  with  a  popu- 
lation of  two  millions,  does  not  exceed  40,000,000  of 
gallons. 

The  nett  sum  of  water-rates  for  the  year 

1852  is  reported  at  $519,572  50 

Some  of  the  largest  consumers  of  water  are  as  follows: 

Ilowel,  King  &  Co.,  sugar  refiners,  38 

days— average  per  day   170,201  gallons. 

People's  Bathing  and  W ashing  Estab- 
lishment, 136  days— average  per  day,  23,214  " 

R.  &  L.  Stuart,  sugar  refiners,  238  days — 

average  per  day   48,690  " 

Ilodgkiss  <fc  Co.,  dye  and  print  works,  34 

days — average  per  da}"   25,736  " 

Ockerhausen,  sugar  refiner,  174  dav  s — 

average  per  day   11,639 


THE  HIGH  BRIDGE 

At  Harlem,  mentioned  in  the  preceding  article,  is 
an  object  of  great  interest,  and  should  be  visited  by  all 
strangers.  The  fare  by  a  hackney  coach,  for  one  or 
more  passengers,  is  five  dollars,  with  the  privilege  of 
remaining  two  or  three  hours  at  the  bridge.  It  can 
likewise  be  reached  pleasantly  and  expeditiously  by  the 
Harlem  Railroad.  Cars  leave  the  depot  at  the  corner 
of  Chatham  and  Centre  streets  almost  every  hour.  Fare, 
12^  cents.  On  reaching  the  depot  at  Harlem,  omnibuses 
are  in  waiting  to  convey  passengers  to  the  bridge  at  a 
charge  of  18|  cents. 

THE  ARSEXAL 

Is  situated  on  Fifth  Avenue,  between  Sixty-second  and 
Sixty-fifth  streets,  and  is  200  feet  front  by  50  feet  deep, 
exclusive  of  the  towers.  The  building  may  be  reached  by 
either  the  Harlem  cars  or  the  Sixty-first  street  stages, 
which  run  to  the  spot  almost  every  hour.  The  cost  of  the 
edifice  was  830,000. 

The  Old  Arsenal,  or  City  Armory,  occupies  the  lot  on 
tne  corner  of  White  street  and  Elm 'street,  and  contains  a 


MISCELLANEOUS  PLACES  WORTH  VISITING.  55 


drill-room,  with  a  place  of  deposit  for  arms  and  trophies 
taken  from  the  British  in  the  Revolutionary  War 

THE  STEAM  MARINE. 

The  American  steamship  Savannah,  built  at  New- York, 
and  commanded  by  Capt.  Rodgers,  of  New-Bedford,  sailed 
from  Savannah  and  arrived  at  Liverpool  in  June,  1819. 
This  was  undeniably  the  first  vessel  that  ever  crossed  the 
Atlantic  by  steam. 

The  Savannah,  of  300  tons,  commenced  the  generous 
rivalry  in  steam  navigation  between  Great  Britain  and 
the  United  States.  There  are  now  upwards  of  70  steam- 
vessels,  varying  in  tonnage  from  600  to  3000  tons,  which 
bring  New- York  into  intercourse  with  Europe,  California, 
and  our  Southern  ports  ;  there  being  in  all  16  companies, 
owning  no  less  than  76  vessels,  the  aggregate  of  whose 
tonnage  is  129,000  tons.  Transatlantic  communication 
is  maintained  by  means  of  18  steamers,  which  belong  as 
follows: 

9  Steamers  Cunard  Line,     .       .       .    19,000  tons. 
4       "       Collins,      ....    12,000  " 
2       "       Ocean  Steam  Nav.  Co.,     .     3,400  " 
2       "       New- York  and  Havre  Co.,     4,400  " 
1       "       Glasgow  and  New-York  "       1,962  " 

18       "  40,762  " 

The  Cunard  Steamers  are  the 

Tons.  Tons. 


Arabia, 
Asia,  . 
Europa, 
America, 
Persia, 


2,500 
2,200 
1,800 
1,800 
3,100 


Africa,  .  .  2,200 

Niagara,  .  .  1,800 

Canada,  .  .  1,800 

Cambria,  .  .  1,500 


The  Persia  is  of  iron,  and  is  said  to  be  the  largest 
steamer  in  the  world.  In  addition  to  these  are  several 
other  iron  screw  steamers  in  process  of  construction  for 
this  company.  Several  of  these  steamers  have  been  with- 
drawn for  the  use  of  the  British  government,  and  the 
New  York  line  discontinued. 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


The  Steamships  of  the  Collins  Line  are  the 

Tons.  Tons. 


Atlantic,  .  .  3,000 
Pacific,  .  .  3,000 
Baltic,         .       .  3,000 


Adriatic,  (building.)  3,000 


Total,      .       .  12,000 

The  entrines  of  the  Atlantic  and  Adriatic  are  from  the 
Novelty  Works  of  Messrs.  Stillman  &  Allen,  New-York; 
those  of  the  Pacific  and  Baltic  from  the  Allaire  Works, 
Messrs.  Secor  <fe  Braistcd. 

The  Arctic,  of  this  line,  has  made  the  quickest  passage 
of  Atlantic  steamers  from  New-York  to  Liverpool,  accom- 
plishing it  in  nine  days  seventeen  hours. 

This,"  however,  is  said  to  have  been  exceeded  by  the 
Baltic,  in  a  passage  whose  actual  running  time  was  only 
nine  days  thirteen  hours  and  forty-five  minutes. 

The  Cunard  steamers  lie  at  Jersey  City ;  those  of  the 
Collins  line  at  the  foot  of  Canal  street,  New- York. 

The  ships  of  the  Ocean  Steam  Navigation  Company  are 
the  Washington,  1,700  tons;  and  the  Herman,  1,700. 
These  ships,  although  substantial,  and  capable  of  carrying 
large  cargoes,  have  usually  been  excelled  in  speed  by 
those  of  other  lines.  They  run  between  New-York  and 
Bremen,  touching  at  Southampton,  England. 

The  New-York  and  Havre  Steam  Navigation  Company 
have  two  ships:  viz.,  the  Franklin,  2,200  tons;  and  the 
Arago,  2,200. 

The  Glasgow  and  New- York  Steamship  Company  have 
one  ship:  viz.,  the  Glasgow,  1,962  tons;  making,  as  we 
have  said,  a  total  of  five  companies  and  eighteen  steam- 
ships, engaged  in  transatlantic  navigation. 

Steam"  Communication  with  Southern  Ports  of  the 
United  States  and  the  West  India  Islands. — The  New- 
York  and  Charleston  Steamship  Company  have  the  follow- 
ing vessels:  the  Marion,  1,200;  the  Union,  1,500;  the 
Southerner,  1,000;  the  James  Adger,  1,500. 

The  New- York  and  Alabama  Steamship  Company  have 
the  Black  Warrior,  of  1,900.  She  sails  to  New-Orleans, 
Mobile,  and  Havana. 

The  ships  of  the  New-York  and  Savannah  Steamship 
Company  are  the  Florida,  1,300;  the  Alabama,  1,300;  the 
Augusta,  a  new  ship,  is  1,350.  These  ships  make  the  trip 
to  Savannah  in  about  60  hours. 


MISCELLANEOUS  PLACES  WORTH  VISITING. 


57 


The  Roanoke,  1,050 ;  and  the  Jamestown,  1,050,  ply 
between  this  port  and  Petersburg,  Norfolk,  and  Richmond, 
and  belong  to  the  Virginia  Steamship  Company. 

The  West  India  steamers  are  the  Empire  City,  Crescent 
City,  and  the  Cherokee,  and  run  between  this  port,  New- 
Orleans,  and  Havana. 

The  Royal  Mail  steamship  Petp.el  is  a  new  ship  of 
800  tons,  sailing  between  New- York,  Bermuda,  and  St. 
Thomas. 

The  Pacific  Mail  Steamsuip  Company  has  14  steamers, 
and  carries  the  mail  to  California  and  Oregon,  in  connec- 
tion -\v  iili  the  United  States  Mail  Steamship  Company  on 
the  Atlantic  side.  The  steamships  of  the  Pacific  Com- 
pany are:  The  Golden  Gate,  2,500;  Northerner,  1,200; 
Republic,  1,200 ;  Oregon,  1,099 ;  Panama,  1,087 ;  Cali- 
fornia, 1,050  ;  Columbia,  800  ;  Carolina,  600  ;  Columbus, 
600 ;  Isthmus,  600  ;  Unicorn,  600  ;  Fremont,  600  ;  John  L. 
Stephens,  2,500. 

The  United  States  Mail  Steamship  Line  consists  of  the 
Georgia,  3,000 ;  Ohio,  3,000 ;  Illinois,  2,500 ;  Empire  City, 
2,000;  Crescent  City,  1,500;  Cherokee,  1,300;  Philadel- 
phia, 1,200  ;  El  Dorado,  1,300  ;  Fulton,  1,000  ;  George  Law, 
2,800  ;  in  all,  10. 

The  transit  of  the  Isthmus  by  the  Panama  Railroad  is 
performed  in  from  18  to  24  hours. 

Vanderbilt's  Line  for  San  Francisco  via  Nicaragua. — 
There  are  in  this  line  7  ships:  The  Northern  Light,  2,500; 
Prometheus,  1,500;  Pacific,  1,200;  Morning  Star,  2,500; 
Brother  Jonathan,  2,100;  Star  of  the  West,  1,600;  Daniel 
Webster,  1,200. 

The  New-York  and  California  Steamship  Line,  via 
Aspinwall  and  Panama.— The  Winfield  Scott,  2,100; 
United  States,  1,500;  Cortes,  1,800;  Union,  1,500,  belong 
to  this  lino,  to  which  are  soon  to  be  added  4  more  superior 
vessels  of  like  size  and  build. 

The  Empire  City  Line  has  the  Sierra  Nevada,  1,800 ; 
San  Francisco,  3,000. 

The  number  of  steamers  thus  seen  to  be  engaged  in  the 
California  trade  is  about  40.  Those  running  to  Southern 
ports  of  the  United  States  and  to  the  West  Indies,  number 
17 ;  to  which  adding  the  number  of  those  which  ply 
across  the  Atlantic,  and  we  have  a  navy  of  about  80 


CITY  OF  NKW-YORK. 


vessels,  to  which,  large  as  it  is,  accessions  are  being  con- 
stantly made.  The  Southern  and  California  steamships 
lie  at  the  piers  north  of  the  Battery,  on  the  Hudson  river 
side. 

pmkr  and  ovavra  tpb. 

Tlie  ships  of  New-York,  and  especially  the  clif>pers,  are 
objects  of  interest  to  the  stranger.  Splendid  vessels  of 
both  kinds  are  always  to  be  found  at  our  docks,  and  may 
be  examined  at  all  times  without  inconvenience.  Their 
elegant  cabins,  vast  size  and  exquisite  models,  excite  the 
admiration  and  wonder  of  those  unused  to  6uch  things. 
Their  cabins  are  often  fitted  up  at  a  vast  expense,  and 
their  whole  build  and  finish  render  them  superior  to  any 
other  vessels  in  the  commercial  world. 

Among  the  finest  of  the  packets  may  be  mentioned  the 
American  Congress,  Star  of  the  West,  and  Alfred  the 
Great  The  largest  and  finest  clippers  are  the  Challenge, 
The  Invincible,  The  Flying  Cloud,  The  "White  Squall,  and 
The  Queen  of  the  Clippers. 

KIVEU  BOATS. 

The  successful  establishment  of  steamboats  in  this  State> 
by  Robert  Fulton,  in  1806,  was  one  of  the  most  important 
events  to  this  country,  and  to  the  world  at  large,  that  has 
ever  occurred.  The"  success  of  Fulton,  in  spite  of  the 
opinions  of  his  friends,  excited  the  bitterest  enmity  in 
those  whose  interests  were  affected  and  disturbed;  but 
this  was  soon  silenced  by  strong  legislative  enactments  for 
protection,  and  the  powerful  voice  of  public  opinion.  A 
company  was  chartered,  with  exclusive  privileges,  for  the 
purpose"  of  running  boats  on  the  Hudson  river,  for  a 
limited  number  of  years.  This  monopoly  became  ex- 
tremely lucrative,  and  in  a  few  years  the  legality  of 
the  ehartei  was  contested,  and  Fulton's  supposed  rights 
overthrown  by  the  United  States  Supreme  Court.  Imme- 
diately after  this  decision,  a  superabundance  of  steamboats 
were  "built,  and  the  effect  of  opposition  was  manifested  in 
the  reduction  of  the  fare  %om  eight  dollars  to  four,  and 
even  twj  dollars.  Fulton  did  not  live  to  see  this  consum- 
mation.   Our  limits  will  not  permit  of  a  minute  detail  of 


MISCELLANEOUS  PLACES  WORTH  VISITING.  59 


the  interesting  particulars  connected  with  the  rise  and 
progress  of  steam  navigation  in  New- York.  The  stranger 
will  hardly  be  satisfied  without  seeing  some  of  the  noble 
specimens  of  steam  architecture  which  abound  at  our 
docks.  The  North  river  boats  are  generally  lighter  and 
more  graceful  than  the  Sound  steamers,  but  they  lack  the 
appearance  of  strength  which  characterizes  the  latter. 
They  are,  however,  fitted  up  in  most  superb  style,  and  all 
that  the  arts  of  gilding,  carpentry,  and  furnishing  can  do 
to  make  them  perfect  specimens  of  naval  architecture,  has 
been  lavished  on  them.  The  Sound  steamers'  berths  are 
on  the  North  river,  near  the  Battery.  The  North  river 
steamboats  can  be  found  all  along  the  Hudson  river,  from 
the  Battery  to  Grand  street. 

SHIP- YARDS. 

The  extensive  ship-yards  in  the  north-east  part  of  the 
city,  in  the  region  called  Dry  Dock,  are  very  interesting 
places  of  resort.  Here  may  be  found  ships  of  the  largest 
class,  and  steamers  of  ever}'  dimension,  in  progress,  and  a 
vast  variety  of  naval  operations,  rendering  it  a  scene  of 
infinite  variety  and  interest  Extensive  machine-shops, 
for  steam-engines,  will  be  found  here  also. 

SECTION  AX  DOCK. 

This  interesting  machine,  located  at  the  foot  of  Pike 
street,  attracts  great  attention.  It  consists  of  a  series 
of  tanks  or  vessels,  connected  together  by  timber  frame- 
work, which  may  be  sunk  by  filling  them  with  water, 
and  floated  again  by  pumping  them  dry.  In  the  pro- 
cess of  lifting  a  vessel,  the  tanks  are  filled  and  sunk, 
and  the  vessel  is  floated  over  the  frame-work,  which 
gradually  lifts  her  out  of  water,  as  the  tanks  are  emptied 
by  pumping  out  their  contents,  by  means  of  a  steam- 
engine.  The  several  tanks  are  sufficiently  buoyant  to  lift 
the  heaviest  vessel ;  and  by  this  means  the  Great  Britain, 
the  largest  hull  in  the  world,  was  raised  far  enough  to 
repair  her  propeller. 

Near  to  the  sectional  dock,  there  is  another  on  a 
different  plan.  The  vessel  is  raised  by  means  of  a  series 
of  pulleys,  which,  coining  from  a  common  point  of  purchase, 


60 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


di  verge,  and  are  attached  at  different  points  along  the 
length  of  a  platform,  on  which  the  vessel  rests,  and  which 
lifU  licr  out  of  the  water,  as  the  several  pulleys  act.  The 
pulleys  are  acted  upon  by  the  powerful  influence  of  a 
hydraulic  pump. 

Mill  another  plan  may  be  found  in  successful  operation 
at  the  ship-yards.  It  is  built  on  the  plan  of  an  inclined 
railway,  the  vessel  being  pulled  out  of  water  and  carried 
up  the  inclined  plane  on  a  carriage,  drawn  by  horse 
power.  Tliis  plan  has  been  in  successful  operation  many 
years. 

FOItTS  AXD  FORTIFICATION*. 

Tlie  National  Government  has  not  been  unmindful  of 
fortifying  the  defenses  of  this  important  city  and  harbor, 
and  during  the  last  twenty  years,  enormous  expenses  have 
been  and  still  continue  to  be  bestowed  upon  this  important 
subject  Sufficient  has  been  done  to  render  the  at}-  safe 
from  sudden  attack  by  sea  or  land. 

The  principal  defense  consists  in  the  strong  works  at 
the  Narrows.  On  the  right,  this  entrance  is  commanded 
by  Fort  Hamilton  and  Fort  Lafayette.  Fort  Hamilton  is 
situated  on  Long  Island,  and  fs  a  very  complete  and 
beautiful  work.  It  protects  Fort  Lafayette,  which  stands 
on  Hendrick's  Reef,  two  hundred  yards  from  the  shore. 
Fort  Lafayette  has  three  tiers  of  guns,  and  is  a  very-  strong 
and  efficient  protection  to  the  Narrows.  It  has  a  very 
picturesque  and  castellated  appearance.  On  the  opposite 
side  this  passage  is  defended  by  Fort  Tompkins  and  Fort 
Richmond.  Fort  Tompkins  is  situated  on  Staten  Island 
height,  and  has  under  its  protection  many  sea-coast 
batteries,  among  which  is  a  permanent  battery  on  the 
beach,  called  Fort  Richmond.  Fort  Tompkins  is  in  a 
dilapidated  state,  and  being  built  in  a  very  costly  manner, 
it  presents,  in  its  ruinous  condition,  a  very  picturesque 
appearance.  Its  numerous  underground  passages,  which 
are  very  extensive,  and  the  splendid  prospect  enjoyed  from 
its  castellated  summit,  render  it  an  object  of  great  attrac- 
tion. It  is  about  three  miles  from  the  quarantine  station. 
All  these  forts  may  be  visited  at  any  time. 

To  protect  the  inner  harbor,  there  are  Forts  Columbus 
and  Castle  William,  on  Governor's  Island,  and  the  woik3 


MISCELLANEOUS  PLACES  WORTH   YISITINO.  61 


on  Bedlow's  and  Ellis's  Islands,  which  unitedly  mount 
over  a  hundred  cannon,  of  the  largest  calibre.  Vast  quan- 
tities of  ordnance  and  ammunition  of  every  kind  are  de- 
posited in  these  public  stores. 

Castle  William  is  a  circular  stone  battery,  six  hundred 
feet  in  circumference,  and  sixty  feet  high.  The  walls  are 
ten  feet  thick,  and  in  the  castle  are  barracks  and  maga- 
zines, and  two  curious  geometrical  stone  staircases,  lead- 
ing from  the  lower  tier  to  the  terrace.  This  fort  forms  a 
very  picturesque  object  in  the  harbor. 

Fort  Columbus,  on  the  same  island,  is  built  in  the  star 
form,  consisting  of  several  batteries,  with  a  covered  way 
leading  to  Castle  William.  On  the  island  are  barracks, 
where  are  constantly  stationed  a  corps  of  United  States 
soldiers.  There  is  another  small  battery  on  the  island. 
Governor's  Island  was  formerly  covered  with  trees,  and 
nuts  were  obtained  from  it  for  the  early  inhabitants,  from 
which  latter  circumstance  it  received  at  one  time  the 
name  of  Nut  Island.  It  was  afterwards  laid  out  in  gar- 
dens for  the  English  governors.  Row-boats  belonging  to 
the  fort  are  constantly  plying  between  the  island  and 
Castle  Garden  bridge,  which  will  take  and  return  any 
passenger  who  is  desirous  of  seeing  the  forts. 

There  are  several  other  fortifications,  intended  for  the  de- 
fense of  the  city,  but  they  are  remote,  on  Long  Island  Sound. 

THE  NAVAL  DRY  DOCK. 

There  is  perhaps  no  modern  structure  that  compares 
with  this  national  work,  either  in  the  dimensions  or  the 
durability  of  the  materials  of  which  it  is  composed,  or  the 
beauty  and  accuracy  of  their  workmanship.  It  is  the 
largest  dry  dock  in  the  world,  and  will  remain  for  ages 
one  of  the  proudest  monuments  of  the  engineering  and 
mechanical  skill  of  the  nineteenth  century.  Eighty  thou- 
sand tons  of  stone  have  been  used  in  its  construction. 
The  masonry  foundations  are  four  hundred  feet  in  length, 
and  one  hundred  and  twenty  feet  in  breadth.  The  main 
chamber  is  two  hundred  and  eighty-six  feet  long  and 
thirty  feet  broad  at  the  bottom,  three  hundred  and  seven 
feet  long  and  ninety-eight  feet  broad  at  the  top,  within 
the  folding  gates.  By  using  the  floating-gate,  an  addi- 
tional length  of  fifty  feet  may  bo  obtained.  The  height 
& 


62 


CITY  OF  KKW-YORK. 


of  the  wall  is  thirty-six  feet  The  smallest  face-stone 
exceeds  three  thousand  pounds  in  weight,  and  the  average 
is  about  six  thousand  pounds.  The  quantity  of  cement 
used  was  twenty-nine  thousand  one  hundred  and  forty- 
seven  barrels.  The  work  was  just  ten  years  in  process  of 
construction.  The  aggregate  expenditure  exceeds  two 
million  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars.  Four 
hours  and  twenty  minutes  is  the  time  required  for  the 
complete  docking  of  the  largest  ship. 


PUBLIC  SQUARES. 

BATTEItY'. 

This  is  the  most  delightful  promenade  in  the  city,  and 
one  of  the  finest  in  the  world.  The  view  from  this  spot 
embraces  the  whole  of  the  bay,  its  islands  and  fortifica- 
tions, and  the  shores  of  New-Jersey.  The  intense  heat  of 
summer,  which  compels  most  people  to  keep  within  doors, 
is  here  moderated  by  the  fresh  sea-breezes  from  the  ocean 
below.  Originally  this  point  of  land  was  fortified  by  the 
Dutch,  who  threw  up  embankments,  upon  which  they 
placed  some  pieces  of  cannon.  In  process  of  time  it 
became  overgrown  with  grass  and  lofty  sycamores,  and 
became  a  favorite  resort  of  the  old  burghers,  who  repaired 
to  its  grateful  shade  to  smoke  and  gossip.  It  became  the 
favorite  walk  of  declining  age ;  the  healthful  resort  of  the 
feeble  invalid;  the  Sunday  refreshment  of  the  dusty 
tradesman ;  the  scene  of  many  a  boyish  gambol ;  the  com- 
fort of  the  citizen,  and  the  pride  and  ornament  of  Man- 
hattan. Some  years  since,  the  City  Government  expended 
$150,000  in  beautifying  the  ground,  embanking  and  fenc- 
ing its  front,  grading  its  walks,  and  surrounding  it  with 
costly  iron  railing.  Originally  its  present  site  was  a 
bristling  mass  of  rocks,  but  this'appearance  has  long  since 
vanished.  The  Battery  approaches  the  form  of  a  crescent, 
widened  at  its  extremities,  and  contains  about  eleven  acres. 
Extensive  additions  to  its  area  are  now  being  made. 

THE  PARK 

Was  in  early  times  called  the  Common*,  being  the 
unappropriated  ground  in  the  outskirts  of  the  city.  It 


PUBLIC  SQUARES. 


63 


contains  about  ten  acres  and  a  half.  Rows  of  trees»are 
planted  here,  and  on  many  places  in  the  Park,  which  is 
interspersed  with  walks  that  afford  a  cool  and  shady 
retreat  in  summer  weather.  The  whole  is  surrounded 
by  an  iron  railing  that  cost  the  city  f  15,000.  It  contains 
the  City  Hall,  what  is  called  the  IN'ew  City  Hall,  Rotunda, 
and  Hall  of  Records.  On  the  south  end  there  was  a  marble 
gateway,  beautifully  finished,  which  was  founded  with 
great  pomp,  th?  Mayor  presiding  at  the  ceremonies,  and 
depositing  in  one  of  the  vases  various  coins,  papers,  and 
memorials  of  present  times.  Two  of  the  stone  balls  sur- 
mounting the  posts  were  presented  to  the  city  by  Com. 
Perry,  they  having  come  into  his  possession  as  gifts  from 
the  Turkish  Government,  having  been  used  by  the  Turks  as 
cannon  balls.  This  gateway  has  been  removed,  and  its 
place  supplied  by  iron  posts. 

The  Park  contains  the  largest  fountain  in  the  city.  The 
basin  is  one  hundred  feet  in  diameter,  and  the  circum- 
ference is  sometimes  entirely  filled  by  the  various  jets  of 
the  "holiday  fountain."  The  machinery  of  the  fountain 
is  so  arranged  as  to  supply  a  variety  of  forms  in  the  jets, 
and  they  may  be  changed  in  a  few  minutes.  When  the 
water  is  thrown  up  in  a  single  stream,  it  ascends  to  the 
height  of  about  seventy  feet.  The  basin  is  ornamented 
with  a  very  elegant  marble  rim,  flowers,  <fcc. 

BOWLING  GREEX. 

The  Bowling  Green,  at  the  southern  end  of  Broadwa}r, 
occupies  ground  immediately  in  front  of  the  site  of  the 
old  Dutch  fort  and  church,  and  was  used  during  the 
Revolution,  by  the  British,  for  a  bowling  alley.  It  con- 
tained before  the  Revolution  a  leaden  equestrian  statue 
of  George  III.,  which  was  pulled  down  by  the  populace, 
and  converted  into  musket-balls.  It  contains  a  fountain, 
built  at  the  expense  of  the  owners  of  the  surrounding 
property.  The  fountain  formerly  emerged  from  an 
uncouth  pile  of  stone,  but  this  has  given  place  to  the 
present  more  appropriate  structure. 

HUDSON  SQUARE, 

Or  St.  John's  Park,  between  Beach,  Laight,  Varick  and 
Hudson  streets,  was  formerly  a  low  sandy  beach,  partly 


CI 


CITY  OK  NEW-YOTIX. 


covered  with  water  at  high  ti<le.  It  belongs  to  tlie  Vestry 
of  Trinity  Church,  hut  lias  been  reserved  as  a  permanent 
square.  It  is  accessible  to  the  people  in  its  neighborhood, 
who  have  keys.  Any  person  may  hire  a  key  of  the 
keeper  for  a  small  annual  6um.  It  is  beautifully  laid  out 
with  walks,  shaded  with  a  lofty  growth  of  trees,  with 
numerous  beds  of  rare  flowers,  and  surrounded  with  an 
iron  fence,  which  cost  $26,000.  It  contains  a  very 
tasty  fountain,  and  is  by  far  the  in06t  beautiful  public 
square  in  the  city.    It  contains  about  four  acres  of  land. 

WASHINGTON  SQUARE. 

Another  great  and  most  effective  ornament  to  the  city 
was  formed  by  laying  out  the  ground  formerly  occupied 
as  a  Potter's  Field.  The  bones  were  collected  in  a  vast 
trench,  one  on  each  side  of  the  square,  which  were  enclosed 
with  fences,  and  planted  with  trees.  For  many  years  this 
was  used  for  burial  purposes,  and  it  is  computed  that  over 
a  hundred  thousand  bodies  have  been  buried  where  now 
assemble  for  pleasure  multitudes  of  living  beings.  The 
Square  is  surrounded  with  splendid  private  houses,  and  on 
one  side  is  the  University  building  and  a  splendid  church. 
One  third  of  the  ground  comprising  the  square  was  pur- 
chased for  $80,000,  making  a  gross  value  of  $240,000 
devoted  to  the  improvement  of  this  quarter  of  the  city. 
The  square  contains  a  little  over  nine  acres,  and  is  orna- 
mented with  a  fountain. 

rxiox  PARK 

Is  an  oval  enclosure  at  the  head  of  Broadway,  between 
Fourteenth  and  Seventeenth  streets,  one  and  three  quarter 
miles  from  the  City  HalL  It  is  enclosed  with  an  iron  fence, 
of  great  beaut}-  and  cost,  and  has  besides  a  beautiful 
fountain  with  ornamental  jets. 

TOMPKINS  SQUARE, 

Formerly  used  for  a  parade  ground,  is  one  of  the  largest 
squares  in  the  city.  It  is  not  yet  much  frequented,  as  the 
trees  are  young.  It  is  between  Avenues  A  and  B,  and 
between  Seventh  and  Tenth  streets. 


PRINCIPAL  BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS.  65 


8TCYVE9AXT  SQUARE 

Is  between  Fifteenth  and  Seventeenth  streets,  and  from 
being  divided  by  the  Second  Avenue,  is  in  fact  two  sepa- 
rate squares.  On  the  west  side  is  the  imposing  front  of 
St.  George's  Church,  one  of  the  most  costly  and  noble 
edifices  in  the  city.  The  ground  occupied  by  the  Square 
was  presented  to  the  Corporation  of  the  church  by  the 
late  Peter  G.  Stuyvesant. 

KRA11MERCY  PARK, 

Although  smaller  than  several  of  those  already  named, 
is  still  worthy  of  notice,  from  being  one  of  the  most  beauti- 
ful enclosures  in  New- York.  It  lies  between  Twentieth 
and  Twenty-first  streets,  and  the  Third  and  Fourth  Ave- 
nues. This  Park  is  private  property,  having  been  ceded 
to  the  owners  of  the  lots  which  surround  it  by  the  en- 
lightened liberality  of  Samuel  B.  Ruggles,  Esq. 


PRINCIPAL  BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS. 

NEW- YORK  HOSPITAL. 

This  institution,  located  in  Broadway,  between  Duane 
and  Anthony  streets,  was  founded  in  1771,  by  the  Earl  of 
Dunmore,  at  that  time  Governor  of  the  Colony.  The 
institution  has  an  annual  revenue  from  various  sources  of 
about  ^80,000,  which  is  expended  in  the  support  of  the 
establishment.  The  hospital  buildings,  to  which  large  and 
costly  additions  have  recently  been  made,  are  fitted  up  in 
excellent  style  for  the  accommodation  of  patients,  who 
can  have  the  best  of  medical  attendance,  and  the  con- 
venience of  nursing  and  medicine,  for  three  dollars  a  week. 
Respectable  persons  without  families  will  find  this  a  very 
desirable  asylum  during  sickness.  l'atients  can  have 
single  rooms  if  they  desire  them.  In  cases  of  sudden  acci- 
dents, patients  are  received  here,  and  their  wants  immedi- 
ately attended  to.  Medical  students  are  permitted  to  go 
the  rounds  with  the  attending  surgeons  for  the  annual  fee 
of  eight  dollars.  Annual  lectures  are  given  by  all  the 
6« 


68 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


attending  physicians  and  surgeons.  The  b&Bdingi  will 
accommodate  350  patients.  Application  for  admission 
must  be  made  at  the  office  within  the  Hospital.  There 
are  ten  attending  and  consulting  physicians  and  surgeons. 

THE  IlI.OOMINGIKVI.i:  ASYLUM  FOB  THE  INSANE 

Is  a  branch  of  the  Xcw-York  Hospital,  and,  through  a 
delegated  committee,  is  under  the  general  control  of  the 
Board  of  Governors  of  that  institution.  It  is  situated  near 
the  Iiloomingdale  road,  seven  miles  from  the  City  Hall, 
upon  an  elevated  and  beautiful  site,  half  a  mile  from  the 
Hudson  river.  This  situation,  though,  perhaps,  not 
apparently  so,  is,  after  Fort  Washington,  the  highest  point 
of  the  island. 

The  approach,  to  the  Asylum  from  the  southern  entrance, 
by  the  stranger  who  associates  the  most  sombre  scenes 
with  a  lunatic  hospital,  is  highly  pleasing.  The  sudden 
opening  of  the  view,  the  extent  of  the  grounds,  the  vari- 
ous avenues  gracefully  winding  through  so  large  a  lawn ; 
the  cedar  hedges,  the  fir  and  other  ornamental  trees, 
tastefully  distributed  or  grouped,  the  variety  of  shrubbery 
and  flowers;  in  fine,  the  assemblage  of  so  many  objects  to 
please  the  eye,  and  relieve  the  melancholy  mind  from  its 
sad  musings,  strike  him  as  one  of  the  most  successful  and 
useful  instances  of  landscape  gardening. 

The  principal  building,  which  is  constructed  of  hewn 
6tone,  is  two  hundred  and  eleven  feet  long,  sixty  feet  wide, 
and  three  stories  in  height,  exclusive  of  basement  and 
attic.  There  are  two  other  buildings,  each  stauding  at 
right  angles  with  the  principal  edifice.  These  are  each 
three  stories  in  height,  sixty  feet  in  length,  and  forty  in 
•width. 

The  modern  greatly  improved  and  humane  system  of 
treating  the  insane  has  been  fully  introduced  into  this 
institution.  The  patients  have  well-furnished  apartments, 
and  eat  at  tables  set  in  the  usual  manner  in  private  fami- 
lies. They  walk  out  with  attendants,  and  man}-  of  them 
ride  daily  in  a  carriage  devoted  to  their  use.  They  amuse 
themselves  with  ten-pins,  quoits,  bagatelle,  chess,  chequers, 
and  other  games.  Many  of  them  work;  the  men  on  the 
farm  or  about  the  premises,  and  the  women  with  their 
needles.     Many  of  them  are  instructed  in  a  school  which 


PRINCIPAL  BENEVOLENT  INSTITUTIONS. 


07 


is  kept  in  the  Asylum,  and  by  lectures  upon  scientific  and 
miscellaneous  subjects. 

It  is  not  customary  for  strangers  to  visit  the  apartments 
of  the  patients,  both  to  avoid  excitement,  and  as  a  matter 
of  courtesy  towards  those  whose  friends  are  placed  here 
for  restoration.  The  central  building,  however,  is  always 
open  to  visitors,  and  the  view  from  the  top  of  it,  being  the 
most  extensive  and  beautiful  of  any  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
city,  is  well  worthy  of  their  attention. 

The  Asyluni  went  into  operation  in  June,  1821 ;  since 
•which  time  several  thousand  patients  have  been  admitted. 
The  number  treated  in  the  past  year  is  22G,  of  whom,  73 
have  been  discharged,  cither  recovered  or  improved. 

NEW-YORK  QUARANTINE  HOSPITAL. 

This  institution  is  located  on  Staten  Island,  and  was 
established  by  act  of  Legislature  in  1821.  Boats  leave  the 
city  every  hour  for  the  Island,  where  they  land  very  near 
the  Hospital.  This  institution  is  appropriated  for  the 
reception  of  patients  who  have  landed  from  vessels  from 
foreign  ports,  particularly  those  afflicted  with  contagious 
diseases. 

NEW-YORK  DISPENSARY, 

Situated  in  White  street,  corner  of  Centre  street,  estab- 
lished in  1790,  "for  the  purpose  of  relieving  such  sick, 
poor  and  indigent  persons  as  are  unable  to  procure  medi- 
cal aid." 

NORTIIERN  DISPENSARY, 

Situated  in  Christopher  street,  corner  of  Sixth  street^ 
founded  in  1829. 

EASTERN  DISPENSARY, 

Situated  in  Ludlow  street,  corner  of  Essex  Market  Place, 
founded  in  1834. 

THE  DEMILT  DISPENSARY, 

On  the  corner  of  Twenty-third  street  and  Second 
Avenue,  was  erected  by  means  of  the  munificent  bequest 
of  the  late  Miss  Deniilt.  The  cost  of  the  building  was 
$30,000.  The  number  of  persons  who  have  been  attended 
during  the  past  year  by  the  physicians  of  this  Dispensary 
18  2,197. 


C8 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


SEff-YOBK  INSTITUTION  FOR  THE  INSTRUCTION  OF 
TUE  DEAF  A.NU  UIMU. 

This  institution  first  opened  a  school  for  the  reception 
of  pupils  on  the  12th  of  May,  1818.  Until  1829,  the 
school  was  held  in  the  building  now  called  the  New  City 
Hall.  At  that  time  the  pupils  were  transferred  to  a  large 
building  erected  for  the  Institution,  on  Fiftieth  street  and 
Fourth  Avenue,  three  and  a  half  miles  from  the  City  Hall. 
Communication  between  the  Institution  and  the  city  is 
rendered  very  easy  by  the  ears  which  pass  on  the  Harlem 
Railroad,  Fourth  Avenue,  every  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes, 
in  both  directions. 

The  principal  building  occupied  by  the  Institution  is 
one  hundred  and  ten  feet  by  sixty,  and  five  stories  in 
height,  including  the  basement  It  accommodates  about 
250  pupils,  and  the  teachers,  the  family  of  the  Principal, 
and  other  persons  connected  with  the  establishment 

This  Institution  has  been  well  sustained  by  appropria- 
tions made  by  the  Legislature  of  the  State,  by  the  Corpo- 
rations of  the  city,  and  by  private  munificence. 

The  pupils  are  taught  most  of  the  useful  branches 
of  education,  and  some  of  them  are  instructed  in  trades, 
6nch  as  shoemaking,  tailoring,  cabinetmaking,  bookbinding, 
and  gardening. 

The  Principal  of  the  Institution  is  Harvey  P.  Peet, 
LLD.,  who  is  assisted  by  a  number  of  competent  profes- 
sors and  others.  Visitors  admitted  from  1£  to  4  o'clock 
P.  M. 

INSTITUTION  FOR  THE  BLIND 

Is  situated  on  Ninth  Avenue,  near  Thirty-third  street, 
where  are  32  lots  of  land  presented  to  the  Institution  by 
James  Boorman,  Esq.  The  Legislature  in  1S39  appropri- 
ated $15,000  towards  the  erection  of  the  buildings,  besides 
which,  considerable  donations  have  been  made  by  indi- 
viduals. The  pupils  are  taught  the  usual  branches  of 
English  education.  There  is  a  manufacturing  department, 
where  they  learn  basketmaking,  weaving,  band-box  work, 
and  other"  similar  work  There  are  usually  about  100 
pupils  at  the  Institution. 

The  building  is  built  of  granite,  in  the  Gothic  style,  and 


PRINCIPAL  BENEYOLENT  INSTITUTIONS. 


no 


is  one  of  the  most  imposing  structures  in  the  city.  Visit- 
ors are  received  on  Tuesdays,  from  1  to  6  P.  M.  Kipp  & 
Brown's  omnibuses  pass  it  on  Ninth  Avenue,  and  the 
Knickerbocker  line  on  Eighth  Avenue.  It  is  much, 
resorted  to  by  those  interested  in  such  institutions. 

ASYLUM  FOR  RESPECTABLE  AGED  INDIGENT  FEMALES. 

This  institution  is  situated  in  Twentieth  street,  near  the 
Second  Avenue.  Aged  and  indigent  ladies  find  in  this 
truly  benevolent  institution  a  grateful  asylum  for  their 
declining  years. 

MAGDALEN  FEMALE  BENEVOLENT  ASYLUM. 

This  institution  is  situated  between  Eighty-eighth  and 
Eighty-ninth  streets,  west  of  the  Harlem  Railroad.  This 
Society  is  second  to  none  in  the  usefulness  of  its  labors, 
while  the  self-denying  enterprise  of  the  ladies  who 
manage  its  affairs  is  beyond  all  praise.  It  appears  to  us 
that  the  support  accorded  to  the  institution  by  Christian 
people  has  not  been  in  proportion  to  its  deserving. 

NEW- YORK  ORPRTAN  ASYLUM 

Is  situated  in  Bloomingdale,  near  Eightieth  street,  about 
five  n  cs  from  the  City  Hall,  and  is  a  handsome  building, 
120  by  60  feet,  connected  with  nine  acres  of  ground.  It 
is  of  stone,  plastered  in  imitation  of  }-ellow  marble.  It 
overlooks  the  Hudson  river,  and  is  delightfully  situated, 
being  surrounded  with  trees  and  cultivated  grounds.  It 
was  instituted  in  18yG.  The  present  number  of  male  and 
female  orphans  at  the  Asylum  is  about  200.  The  Asylum 
can  be  visited  at  any  time,  and  great  numbers  resort  to  it 
to  see  the  pupils. 

LEAKE  AND  WATTS'  ORPHAN  ASYLUM 

Is  situated  near  One  Hundred  and  Seventeenth  street, 
between  the  Fourth  and  Fifth  Avenues.  This  noble 
charity  was  founded  by  the  bequest  of  Mr.  J.  A.  Leake, 
an  old  New-Yorker,  and  enhanced  by  the  liberality  of 
Mr.  Watts,  who  waived  a  claim  he  had  on  Mr.  Leake's 
legacy. 


70 


ClTr  OY  NEW-YORK. 


THE  PEOPLE'S  WASHING  AND  BATHING 
ESTABLISHMENT, 

Nos.  141  and  143  Mott  street,  near  Grand;  opened 
May,  1852.  This  establishment  owes  its  existence  mainly 
to  'the  benevolent  enterprise  of  Robert  B.  Minturn,  Esq., 
and  does  credit  to  the  judgment  and  practical  good  sense 
of  all  who  have  aided  in  its  erection.  As  few  even  of 
native  New-Yorkers  are  aware  that  such  an  institution  is 
in  being,  we  beg  to  give  an  outline  of  its  plan.  It  is,  as 
its  name  imports,  a  washing  and  bathing  establishment, 
having  on  the  first  floor  or  basement  a  swimming-bath  for 
boys,  and  one  for  girls.  Above  this,  a  series  of  closet- 
baths  for  both  sexes;  and  in  the  third  story,  a  place  for 
washing,  drying  and  ironing  clothes.  The  price  of  admit- 
tance to  the  swimming-bath  is  8  cents ;  to  the  common 
closet-baths,  5  cents ;  to  the  closet-bath  with  better  ac- 
commodations, 10  cents;  while  the  use  of  the  laundry, 
with  all  its  facilities  of  fire,  water,  tubs  and  flat-irons, 
may  be  had  for  three  cents  an  hour.  The  cost  of  the 
building  is  stated  at  $70,000.  It  may  be  Been'  at  any 
hour  of  the  day,  and  is  well  worth  a  -visit. 

YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN"  ASSOCIATION, 

So  659  Broadway.  This  Society,  which  was  organized 
in  June  1852,  now  "numbers  1,100  members,  evincing  an 
eminent  success  in  its  laudable  enterprise.  The  object 
aimed  at  is  the  improvement  of  the  spiritual,  mental,  and 
social  condition  of  young  men  in  this  cnVy.  For  this  pur- 
pose the  Society  has  a  handsome  suite  of  apartments  in 
the  Stuyvesant  Institute,  Broadway,  fitted  up  in  a  com- 
fortable style  as  a  reading-room,  library,  and  also  for 
religious  worship,  where  the  members  can  spend  their 
leisure  hours  in  a  moral  and  intellectual  manner,  Ihe 
Society  does  not,  however,  limit  its  utility  to  the  above 
advantages,  but  aims  at  more  practical  objects  likewise. 
By  means  of  its  influence,  young  men  are  assisted  to 
employments,  and  watched  over  in  their  social  condition; 
a  list  of  respectable  boarding-houses  being  kept,  where 
they  can  be  comfortably  lodged. 

mr  \  list  of  the  American  and  Foreign  Benevolent 
Societies  will  be  found  at  the  end  of  this  volume. 


BLACKWELL'S,  WARD'S,  AND 
RANDALL'S  ISLANDS. 


Persons  desirous  of  visiting  Blaekwell's  Island  may 
obtain  a  permit  by  applying  to  Mr.  Kolleck,  the  gentle- 
manly Secretary  of  the  Governors  of  the  Aims-House,  at 
their  office  in  the  Rotunda,  near  the  City  Hall.  They  will 
thereupon  proceed  to  the  steamboat,  which  leaves  the  foot 
of  Grand  street,  East  river,  at  12  o'clock  M.  every  day, 
and  will  find  themselves  at  the  island  after  a  short  and 
pleasant  sail.  Those  who  prefer  it  may  take  the  Harlem 
stages  to  Sixty-first  street,  East  river,  and  cross  to  the 
island  at  any  hour.  The  stages  leave  No.  23  Chatham 
street  every  fifteen  minutes. 

The  objects  of  interest  on  the  island  are  the  Peniten- 
tiary, the  Lunatic  Asylum,  the  Aims-Houses,  Hospital,  and 
especially  the  new  Work-House.  This  last  is  built 
entirely  of  cut  stone,  taken  from  the  quarries  of  the 
island,  and  is  more  complete  than  any  structure  of  the 
kind  in  the  country.  It  is  capable  of  accommodating  600 
persons.  In  the  kitchen  there  is  apparatus  adequate  to 
prepare  food  for  1,500  men.  The  object  of  the  building  is 
to  reform  the  prison  system  by  separating  vagrants  from 
criminals,  and  to  compel  all  who  arc  able  to  do  something 
for  their  own  support. 

The  cost  of  the  completed  building  will  be  about 
$100,000. 

WARIrS  ISLAND, 

Formerly  known  as  Great  Barn  Island,  is  the  location 
of  the  Emigrant  Hospital.  Access  to  the  island  may  he 
had  by  permit  from  the  office  of  the  Commissioners  of 
Emigration  in  the  New  City  Hall,  near  the  corner  of 
Chambers  street  and  Centre.  The  boat  leaves  the  foot  of 
Grand  street,  East  river,  at  12  M.,  and  the  Harlem  stages 
for  One  Hundred  and  Sixth  street,  from  No.  23  Chatham 
street,  at  any  hour.  Those  iak:ta  the  stage  will  cross  the 
ferry  directly  to  the  Island. 


72 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


BlISiLL'l  IKI.AXD. 


This,  which  to  the  philanthropist  is  perhaps  the  most 
interesting  of  what  liave  been  termed  the  "Islands  of 
Charity,"  lies  the  farthest  from  the  city,  being  opposite  to 
One  Hundred  and  Ninth  street,  and  is  reached  from  this 
point  by  a  ferry-boat  The  Harlem  stages  convey  passen- 
gers to  "One  Hundred  and  Ninth  street  The  boat,  as  for 
Black  well's  Island,  leaves  Grand  street  at  12  M.  everyday. 
Permits  may  be  had  on  application  as  for  IJlaekwelPs 
Island.  Randall's  Island  is  the  location  of  the  nurseries 
for  the  support  and  education  of  destitute  children,  and  is 
worthy  of  being  visited  by  all  who  desire  to  become 
acquainted  with  the  charitable  and  benevolent  agencies 
of  New-York. 


The  following  shows  the  number  of  persons  remaining 
at  the  several  institutions  in  charge  of  the  Governors,  for 
a  week  of  1853: 


AI.MS-IIOlsr  BKI'.VIITMFAT. 


At  Bellevue  Hospital. . . 

Lunatic  Asylum  

Alms-IIouse  Hospital    . , 

Penitentiary  

Penitentiary  Hospital... 
Small-Pox  Hospital  .... 

Randall's  Island  

Randall's  Island  Hospital 

City  Prison  

Work-House  


570 
542 
919 
829 
272 
17 
1,097 
198 
228 
182 


Total  

Number  remaining  

Received  during  the  week 


4,854 


4,950 
647 


Total 
Died . . . 


5,597 


Discharged  

Sent  to  Penitentiary 
Sent  to  State  Prison. 


28 
632 
78 


5-  743 


Total 


4,854 


LITERARY  INSTITUTIONS. 


NEW-YORK  SOCIETY  LIBRARY 


Formerly  occupied  the  brown  free-stone  building  on 
the  corner  of  Broadway  and  Leonard  street  Its  library 
and  reading-rooms  are  now  in  the  new  Bible  House, 
corner  of  Astor  Place  and  Fourth  Avenue.  The  number 
of  books  in  the  library  is  about  36,000. 
Access  to  the  privileges  of  the  Society  Library  may  be 


transferable  and  inheritable  like  other  property,)  with  an 
annual  payment  of  $6.  Temporary  subscribers  are 
received  at  $10  per  annum;  $6  for  half  a  year,  or  $-1  for 
a  quarter. 

Visitors  are  admitted  and  politely  received  at  any 
time. 

MERCANTILE  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION. 

This  Society  is  at  present  located  in  the  Clinton  Hall 
building,  in  Beekman,  corner  of  Nassau  street  It  pos- 
sesses a  library,  reading-room,  lecture-room,  cabinet  of 
minerals,  <fec.  It  was  originally  established  for  the  express 
benefit  of  clerks,  but  of  late  it  has  been  thrown  open  to 
all  who  will  pay  for  the  privilege.  The  library,  in  which 
all  the  departments  of  science  and  general  literature  are 
well  represented,  contains  at  this  time  37,500  volumes. 
It  is  peculiarly  rich  in  periodical  literature.  Its  collection 
in  this  department  is  probably  superior  to  any  other  insti- 
tution in  this  country.  The  reading-room  is  supplied  with 
a  very  extensive  variety  of  foreign  and  American  periodi- 
cals and  newspapers.  The  number  of  members  at  the 
present  time  is  4,194.  Clerks  pay  one  dollar  initiation 
fee,  and  two  dollars  a  year  thereafter,  which  entitles  them 
to  the  use  of  the  reading-room  and  library.  Merchants 
hold  honorary  membership,  and  pay  five  dollars  a  year. 
Other  citizens  have  the  privileges  of  the  library  and  read- 
ing-room for  five  dollars  a  year.  It  is  the  intention  of  the 
Board  to  remove  their  library  to  the  site  of  the  Opera 
House,  Astor  Place,  in  the  course  of  another  year. 


obtained  by  the  payment 


.  / 

74  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


LYCEl'M  «F  XATVBAl  HISTORY, 

Aii  association  of  scientific  men  for  the  study  and  pro- 
motion of  nnturnl  history,  in  all  its  branches.  Stated  meet- 
ings are  held  for  conversation  and  lectures.  It  was  incor- 
porated in  1818,  and  a  room  appropriated  for  the  meetings, 
bv  the  city  government,  in  the  building  in  the  rear  of  the 
City  Hull."  It  was  afterwards  removed  to  the  Stuyvesant 
Institute,  in  Broadway,  opposite  Bond  street;  from  which 
place,  on  the  removal"  of  the  Medical  School,  it  was  trans- 
ferred to  its  present  location,  in  Fourteenth  street,  near 
Fourth  Avenue.  The  institution  possesses  a  large  library, 
and  an  extensive  cabinet  of  minerals,  shells,  plants,  and 
other  specimens  in  natural  history.  The  museum  may  be 
visited  gratuitously  by  application  at  the  building. 

m:\v.yohk  law  institute. 

The  Library,  (established  1828,  incorporated  1830,) 
which  is  kept  in  the  City  Hal),  contains  about  4,500 
volumes  of  select  law  books,  including  nearly  the  whole 
series  of  English  and  American  Reports.  The  initiation 
fees  are  $20,  and  annual  dues  $10.  Members  of  the  bar 
from  abroad,  and  the  judges  of  the  courts,  are  entitled  to 
the  free  use  of  the  library. 

m:\v-yohk  historical  society. 

This  able  and  efficient  Association  have  their  rooms  in 
the  University  Building.  They  have  a  library  of  17,000 
volumes,  and  "a  lanre  collection  of  coins  and  medals.  Its 
library  is  open  ever}-  day.  The  meetings  of  the  Society 
are  held  in  the  evening  of  the  first  Tuesday  in  each 
month. 

APPRENTICES'  LIBRARY. 

This  library  occupies  a  large  and  commodious  room  in 
the  Mechanics'  Hall,  Broadway,  near  Grand  street  It 
contains  14,000  volumes,  for  the  exclusive  use  of  appren- 
tices. About  2,000  young  mechanics  avail  themselves 
of  the  facilities  of  this  valuable  institution. 


THEOLOGICAL  INSTITUTIONS, 


Uniox  Theological  Seminary. — This  institution,  founded 
in  1 836,  is  located  in  University  Place,  between  Sixth  and 
Eighth  streets,  near  Washington  Square.  The  principal 
edifice  contains  four  large  and  commodious  lecture-rooms, 
a  chapel,  library  and  study-rooms,  besides  four  large  fur- 
nished rooms  for  the  accommodation  of  the  students.  It 
has  six  professors,  and  generally  about  100  students.  The 
library  contains  over  16,000  volumes. 

THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY. 

The  General  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Episcopal 
Church  is  situated  in  Twentieth  street,  corner  of  Ninth 
Avenue,  near  the  Hudson,  two  miles  from  the  City  Hall. 
There  are  two  handsome  buildings  of  stone  for  the  accom- 
modation of  professors  and  students.  The  Board  of  Trus- 
tees consists  of  all  the  bishops,  and  one  trustee  from  each 
diocese  in  the  United  States.  The  institution  is  well 
endowed. 


MEDICAL  INSTITUTIONS. 

University  Medical  School. — This  institution  is  in  Four- 
teenth street,  between  Irving  Place  and  Third  Avenue. 
The  rooms  are  large  and  well  arranged,  and  the  Faculty 
have  made  every  provision  for  thoroughness  and  complete- 
ness in  their  work. 

The  library  consists  of  5,000  volumes.  The  hospital 
museum  contains  most  interesting  specimens,  obtained 
from  the  post  mortem  examinations  made  in  the  institution. 

COLLEGE  OF  PHYSICIANS  AND  SURGEONS. 

This  is  a  handsome  edifice,  situated  in  Crosby  street.  It 
was  founded  in  1807,  has  eight  professors,  and  about  200 
students.  It  has  a  library  of  over  1,000  volumes.  Lec- 
tures commence  on  the  first  Monday  in  November,  and 


76 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


continue  about  four  months.  Attached  to  the  college  is  a 
very  extensive  medical  museum,  containing  a  vast  number 
of  interesting  objects.  It  may  be  visited  on  application  to 
the  Janitor,  in  the  building. 

The  institution  is  governed  by  a  Board  of  Trustees, 
composed  of  physicians  and  other  citizens. 

M.H-i  ORB   MEDICAL  <  OIXKS& 

This  institution,  located  in  East  Thirteenth  street,  was 
chartered  in  1850,  with  the  purpose  of  giving  thorough 
instruction  to  young  men,  as  medical  practitioners.  To 
enable  the  Faculty  to  do  this,  they  early  adopted  the  plan 
of  extending  the  course  of  instruction  through  a  period 
of  rive  months;  they  increased  the  numl>er  of  their  lec- 
turers to  nine ;  they  procured  from  Europe  a  costly  museum 
of  external  and  internal  pathology-,  unsurpassed  by  any 
similar  collection  in  any  college ;  they  have  arranged  for 
giving  an  amount  of  clinical  and  hospital  instruction,  such 
as  cannot  be  obtained  in  any  other  city  in  the  Union ; 
and,  in  order  to  render  Analytical  Chemistry  more  promi- 
nent, a  suitable  laboratory  has  been  prepared,  and  such 
instructions  in  practical  chemistry  are  given  during  the 
course  as  to  enable  every  student  to  become  familiar  with 
toxicological  examinations;  with  the  methods  of  detecting 
adulterations  of  drugs,  the  analysis  of  the  fluids  of  the 
human  system,  the  use  of  the  microscope,  and  such  other 
manipulations  as  modern  chemistry  and  physics  have 
rendered  important  to  the  medical  profession. 


MECHANIC  INSTITUTIONS. 

American  Institute — Incorporated  in  1829. — This  insti- 
tution was  established  for  the  pnqiose  of  encouraging 
domestic  industry  in  this  State  and  the  United  States,  in 
agriculture,  manufactures  and  the  arts,  by  bestowing 
rewards  and  other  benefits  on  those  who  shall  make  any 
improvements,  or  excel  in  any  of  the  above  branches. 
The  Institute  has  its  rooms  at  349  Broadway,  where  are  a 
library,  lecture-hall  and  exhibition-room.    The  library  is 


PICTURE  GALLERIES,  AC. 


77 


extensive,  and  particularly  rich  in  those  branches  relating 
to  the  objects  of  the  institution.  A  large  collection  of 
models,  agricultural  products,  <fec,  are  deposited  in  the 
room,  which  together  with  the  library,  are  open  to  the 
public,  free  of  expense,  at  all  seasonable  hours.  The 
6trangcr  will  do  well  to  visit  this  interesting  room.  In 
connection  with  the  Institute,  there  is  an  annual  fair  held 
at  Castle  Garden,  which  is  visited  by  50,000  people.  A 
cattle  show  id  also  held  by  the  Institute  every  season. 

MECHANICS'  INSTITUTE. 

This  Institute  has  for  its  object  the  instruction  of 
mechanics  and  others  in  science  and  the  arts.  The  Insti- 
tute has  established  annual  courses  of  popular  lectures.  It 
has  an  excellent  library,  containing  about  3,000  volumes, 
together  with  a  reading-room,  supplied  with  popular 
reviews,  literary  and  scientific  journals  and  newspapers; 
a  museum  of  models  of  machinery,  and  a  valuable  collec- 
tion of  chemical  and  philosophical  apparatus.  A  male 
school  was  commenced  in  November,  1838,  and  a  female 
school  in  Ma}',  1839,  both  of  which  have  been  eminently 
successful. 


PICTURE  GALLERIES  AND  INSTI- 
TUTIONS OF  THE  FINE  ARTS. 

NATIONAL  ACADEMY  OF  DESIGN. 

An  association  of  artists  and  amateurs,  under  the  name 
above  given,  organized  and  opened  their  first  exhibition 
on  the  first  of  May,  in  1826,  at  the  corner  of  Reade  street 
and  Broadway.  Their  present  rooms  are  at  Broad- 
way, near  Prince  Street.  They  have  an  exhibition  of 
the  productions  of  none  but  living  artists,  and  open 
annually  during  the  months  of  April,  May,  and  June. 
Their  accommodations  consist  of  several  large  rooms, 
elegantly  lil  ted  up  with  carpets,  minors,  and  seats  ;  and 
from  the  pains  taken  to  make  it  attractive,  it  has  become 
a  very  fashionable  place  of  resort.  Admission,  25  cents. 
Season  tickets,  50  cents. 


78 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


the  i>issi:m>okf  gallkrv. 

This  choice  collection  of  paintings,  nearly  all  of  which 
are  by  artists  of  Dnsseldorf,  is  of  rare  value  and  beauty. 

The  gallery  is  in  the  spacious  rooms  formerly  occupied 
by  the  (American)  Art  Union.  54 B  Proadway,  and  is  at  all 
reasons  a  popular  resort. 

THE  BKYAN  GALI.EKY, 

Is  al-o  known  as  the  Gallery  of  Christian  Art,  and  is 
unsurpassed  in  interest  by  any  similar  collection  in  New- 
York  ;  the  pictures  of  which  it  consists  being  either 
valuable  originals  or  copies  of  extraordinary  merit. 

The  Gallery  is  at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  Thirteenth 
btreet. 


PORTRAIT,  LANDSCAPE,  AND  MINIATURE 
PAINTERS. 

A  day  may  be  pleasantly  spent  in  any  one  of  the 
numerous  studios  of  New-York's  ingenious  artists ;  but  as 
few  sojourners  will  be  able  to  devote  as  much  time  as 
this  to  a  single  visit,  we  shall  rapidly  lead  them  to  a  few 
of  the  most  attractive  fountains  of  art  Chief  among 
Portrait  Painters  is  Huntington — now  in  Europe — whose 
historical  and  other  pictures  have  rarely  been  excelled. 

Ellliot,  197  Broadway;  Ilicks,  114  White  street;  Car- 
penter, 374 ;  and  Baker'  806  Broadway,  are  all  promising 
artists  and  faithful  delineators  of  the  human  face.  The 
portrait  of  President  Fillmore,  by  Carpenter,  gained  him 
a  hiiih  rank  among  our  successful  young  artists. 

The  Landscape  Painter  whose  works  are  perhaps  the 
most  admired,  is  Durand  ;  one  of  whose  pictures  was  well 
described  bv  Willis,  as  being  11  enough  like  nature  to  be 
sold  for  farms."  The  studio  of  this  eminent  artist  is  at  91 
Amity  street.  Kensett,  at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and 
Fourth  street,  has  also  produced  many  excellent  counter- 
feits of  nature,  which  have  passed  current  with  the  best 
judges,  receiving  from  these  the  highest  price.  Cranch, 
806  Broadway,  "and  Cropscy,  of  114  White  street,  are 


PORTRAIT  AND  OTHER  PAINTERS. 


79 


pleasing  and  effective  artists  ;  while  we  would  not  omit  to 
mention,  among  the  rising  members  of  the  profession, 
Coleman,  whose  graphic  portrayals  of  our  mountain 
scenery  have  attracted  much  attention. 

The  favorite  Miniature  Painters  are  Shumway,  497 
Broadway  ;  Staigg,  133  Bleecker  street ;  and  Schuster,  494 
Broadway.  Elegant  and  faithful  miniature  portraits  are 
also  painted  by  Hite. 

In  concluding  our  notice,  it  may  be  added,  that  visitors 
are  generally  welcomed  to  the  studios  of  the  New- York 
artists.  We  need  not  say  that  such  visits  serve  to  culti- 
vate the  tastes  of  those  who  thus  spend  a  leisure  hour ; 
while  they  promote  and  widen  true  and  discriminating 
patronage  of  art 

DAGUERREOTYPES. 

In  the  cities  of  New- York  and  Brooklyn,  there  are 
upwards  of  100  Daguerrean  establishments,  giving  direct 
employment  to  about  250  men,  women  and  boys,  though 
the  number  who  derive  support  from  the  art  in  the  United 
States,  in  all  its  branches,  is  variously  estimated  at  from 
13,000  to  17,000,  including  those  working  in  the  manufac- 
tories. For  some  years,  a  great  proportion  of  Daguerreo- 
type goods  were  imported  from  Europe,  principally  from 
France ;  those  made  here  being  considered  by  operators  as 
much  inferior,  especially  the  plates.  A  great  improvement 
has,  however,  of  late  taken  place  in  our  production  of 
these  articles,  and  it  will  be  seen  bvthe  number  of  persons 
employed,  as  given  above,  that  this  is  now  quite  an  import- 
ant branch  of  domestic  industry,  there  being  in  this  city 
alone  six  large  establishments  for  the  making,  importation 
and  sale  of  photographic  goods;  the  amount  of  cash 
invested  being  about  $300,000,  and  the  annual  sale  of 
materials,  $1,000,000. 

It  is  estimated  that  there  cannot  be  less  than  3,000,000 
daguerreotypes  taken  annually  in  the  United  States;  Bos- 
ton, Philadelphia,  and  Baltimore  being  extensively  engaged 
in  the  trade,  but  not  equally  with  New- York. 

Among  the  most  skilful  operators,  we  may  mention 
Root,  of  363  Broadway,  whose  pictures,  for  accuracy  and 
softness,  have  not  been  surpassed ;  Gurney,  at  349  ;  Brady, 
at  359 ;  and  Lawrence,  at  381  Broadway.     The  pictures 


80 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


taken  by  the  above-named  artists  are  of  superior  merit; 
while  several  others  might  be  named  -whose  works  are 
almost  equal  to  these  in  exactness  and  beauty. 

Admirable  pictures  for  the  stereoscope — an  instrument 
giving  remarkable  boldness  to  daguerreotype  pictures — 
are  taken  by  Peters,  of  394  Broadway. 

The  prices  of  good  daguerreotypes  vary  from  $3  to  *50, 
corresponding  to  the  size  and  perfection  of  the  picture. 


PLACES  OF  AMUSEMENT. 

METROPOLITAN  THEATRE, 

Situated  on  Broadway  opposite  Bond  Street,  is  the 
most  commodius  and  comfortable  Theatre  in  New  York. 
The  interior  decorations  are  in  excellent  taste. 

BROADWAY  THEATRE. 

This  Theatre  is  well  situated  on  Broadway,  between 
Anthony  and  Pearl  streets,  and  is  one  of  the  largest  thea- 
tres in  the  city.  The  front,  illuminated  by  thirteen  lamps, 
in  honor  of  the  original  thirteen  States  of  the  Confeder- 
acy, is  much  admired. 

BOWERY  THEATRE, 

Bowery,  near  Chatham  Square. 

This  building  is  one  of  the  most  conspicuous  in  the  city. 
Three  theatres  have  been  built  and  burned  on  the  ground 
occupied  by  this  establishment  The  first  stone  was  laid 
in  May,  1826,  with  great  pomp  and  ceremony,  by  Philip 
Hone,  then  Mayor  of  the  city,  and  the  theatre  continued 
to  increase  in  favor  and  prosperity  until  the  evening  of 
March  22d,  1829,  when,  like  its  rival,  the  Park,  it  was 
totally  consumed ;  the  conflagration  presenting  one  of  the 
grandest  and  most  sublime  spectacles  ever  witnessed  in  the 
city. 

It  was  not  long,  however,  before  another  magnificent 
building  rose  in  renovated  splendor  from  its  ruins.  It  was 
designed  by  the  classical  taste  of  Mr.  Tourne,  from  the 
celebrated  Temple  of  TLeseus,  at  Athens,  and  was  said  to 


PLACES  OF  AMUSEMENT. 


81 


be  the  finest  specimen  of  Doric  architecture  then  in  the 
United  States. 

The  present  building  is  rebuilt  from  the  ashes  of  one 
that  was  burnt  in  the  spring  of  1845.  It  is  celebrated  for 
spectacles  and  patriotic  pieces,  sometimes  lavishing  very 
great  sums  in  getting  them  up.  Prices  of  admission  :  Boxes, 
25  cents;  pit,  12}  cents. 

NIBLO'S  OPERA  HOUSE. 

This  favorite  resort  is  situated  in  Broadway,  corner  of 
Prince  street  It  is  elegantly  fitted  up,  and  capable  of 
seating  two  thousand  persons.  The  arrangements  of  the 
stage  and  the  drop-curtain  are  tasteful  and  elegant,  and 
the  building  on  opera  nights  is  often  filled  with  a  very 
fashionable  audience. 

WALLACE'S  THEATRE,  BROADWAY. 

Near  Broome  Street. 

BURTON'S  THEATRE, 

Chambers  Street. 

These  small  but  elegant  theatres  are  much  resorted  to  by 
the  patrons  of  the  drama.  Great  pains  are  taken  to  pro- 
vide for  the  public  entertainment,  and  the  result  is  in  most 
instances  successfully  attained. 

BARNUM'S  AMERICAN  MUSEUM. 

This  institution  was  founded  in  1810,  by  the  late  John 
Scudder,  by  whose  arduous  efforts,  and  the  persevering 
exertions  of  its  more  recent  proprietor,  it  has  arisen  to  its 
present  state  of  popularity.  Scudder  commenced  his  ca- 
reer as  an  itinerant  organ-grinder,  and  during  his  wander- 
ings he  collected  the  first  specimens  towards  the  present 
large  collection. 

This  museum  for  many  years,  during  his  management, 
occupied  the  west  end  of  the  building  back  of  the  City 
Hall  in  the  Park,  and  was  then  almost  the  only  place  of 
public  amusement  in  the  city.  It  is  now  on  Broadway, 
nearly  opposite  the  Astor  House.  It  contains  several  large 
halls,  each  over  a  hundred  feet  in  length,  filled  with  curi- 
osities of  every  variety.  It  has  numerous  paintings,  a 
mineralogieal  cabinet,  and  a  multitude  of  curiosities,  well 


82 


nry  of  new-york. 


worth  visiting.  In  addition  to  this,  it  lias  a  saloon  con- 
nected with  it,  capable  of  seating  one  thousand  persons, 
which  is  used  for  n  variety  of  entertainments,  all  for  the 
sum  of  26  cents.  The  top  of  the  museum,  fitted  up  as  a 
garden  and  promenade,  eommands  a  fine  view  of  the  city. 
It  i-  the  property  of  P.  T.  Barnum,  Ksq.,  who  has  made  it 
more  than  ever  an  attractive  place  of  resort. 

CASTLE  GARDEN' 

Is  situated  on  a  mole,  connected  with  the  Battery  by  a 
bridge.  It  was  originally  erected  for  a  fortification,  and 
used  for  that  purpose  till  1823,  when  it  was  ceded  by  the 
United  States  to  this  city  ;  since  which  it  has  been  leased 
for  a  place  of  public  amusement  It  was  built  in  1  f>ij7— 8 — 
9.  Immense  turns  of  money  were  expended  on  its  erec- 
tion, it  having  cost  the  Government,  at  different  times,  sev- 
eral hundred  thousand  dollars.  The  felicitous  situation  of 
this  spot,  projecting  into  the  bay,  and  commanding  one  of 
the  finest  views  in  the  world,  causes  it  to  be  a  favorite 
place  of  resort  in  the  summer  months.  In  1824,  on  the 
occasion  of  the  visit  of  Gen.  Lafayette,  a  splendid  file  and 
gala  were  given  to  him  at  Castle  Garden,  which,  for  grand- 
eur, expense,  and  entire  effect,  were  never  before  witnessed 
in  this  country.  The  building  has  lately  been  altered, 
by  the  addition  of  a  roof  and  outside  promenade,  and  fit- 
ted up  with  a  stage  for  concerts,  operas,  <fcc.  It  was  here 
that  Jenny  Lind  made  her  first  appearance  in  America,  on 
which  occasion  she  is  said  to  have  received  (18,000.  The 
effect  of  the  interior  is  very  grand,  it  being  by  far  the 
largest  audience-room  in  the  world.  It  will  easily  hold 
15,000  people,  being  over  six  hundred  feet  in  cir- 
cumference. Now  used  as  a  landing  place  for  emi- 
grants. 

THE  EGYPTIAN'  MUSEUM, 

Broadway,  above  Bleecker.  This  place  of  rational  en- 
tertainment is  well  worth  a  visit.  It  contains  many  hun- 
dred relics,  collected  with  great  care  and  industry  by  the 
learned  Dr.  Abbott  during  a  residence  of  twenty  years  on  the 
banks  of  the  Nile.  Here  are  to  be  seen  mummied  men 
and  quadrupeds — the  slates  of  the  schoolboys  in  Pha- 
raoh's time,  and  the  remains  of  lamps  that  were  used  to 


PLACES  OF  AHUSEMEXT. 


S3 


lighten  the  darkness  of  Egypt.  The  eye  scarcely  meets 
an  object  which  is  less  than  three  thousand  yeara  old. 

NEW  YORK  ACADEMY  OF  MUSIC,  OR  ITALIAN 
OPERA  HOUSE. 

This  building  is  situated  on  the  corner  of  Fourteenth 
Street  and  Irving  Place.  It  is  r.n  immense  building,  204- 
feet  in  length,  114  in  width  at  the  auditorium  part,  and 
121  feet  at  the  stage;  hence,  covering  an  area  of  24,020 
square  feet.  It  contains  seats  for  4,600  persons,  a  larger 
number  of  seats  than  is  contained  in  any  other  Opera 
House  or  Theatre  in  the  world.  The  interior  decorations 
are  massive  and  elegant.  The  front  of  the  boxes  on  a 
level  with  the  parquet  is  ornamented  with  balustrades, 
■which  together  with  the  background,  are  painted  white. 
The  front  or  second  tier,  is  decorated  with  chandeliers 
richly  gilted,  and  alternated  with  beautiful  statues  of 
infants  playing  upon  different  musical  instruments.  The 
front  of  the  third  tier  is  somewhat  similar  in  its  orna- 
ments;  the  front  of  the  fourth  tier  or  amphitheatre,  has 
panels  filled  with  gilt  ornaments.  The  dome  is  richly 
and  appropriately  painted  by  Signor  Allegri,  in  embel- 
lished panels,  two  of  which  are  filled  with  figures  of 
Music  and  Poetry,  and  the  other  two  with  Comedy  and 
Tragedy.  The  coloring  is  elegant  and  harmonious,  re- 
flecting great  credit  on  the  artist. 

The  boxes  are  supported  throughout  the  house  by  highly 
ornamented  pillars,  the  general  effect  of  which  is  very 
fine.  The  curtain,  50  by  54  feet>  is  a  noble  piece  of 
architectural  painting  by  Allegri.  The  whole  effect  of 
the  house  is  that  of  rich  and  massive  elegance,  displaying 
an  audience  well,  and  when  filled  with  an  elegantly 
dressed  throng  is  a  superb  sight. 

The  building  is  remarkably  well  constructed  for  sound. 
The  faintest  tone,  the  most  delicate  articulation  is  dis- 
tinctly heard  in  all  parts  of  the  auditorium. 

The  entire  cost  of  lot  and  building  was  about  $350,000. 

THE  EATTING  OBSERVATORY. 

We  desire  to  call  attention  to  this  building,  although  it 
is  in  little  danger  of  being  overlooked.    It  is  in  fact  the 


M 


CITY  OF  KKW-YORK. 


most  conspicuous  new  feature  in  the  neighborhood  of  the 
Crystal  Palace,  and  affords  from  its  summit  a  grand  view 
of  the  country  around  New-York.  Its  total  height  is  350 
feet.  It  is  not  inappropriate  to  remark  that  the  building 
itself  is  quite  safe,  having  been  carefully  examined  by 
scientific  men,  who  have  made  a  favorable  report.  It 
stands  on  Foi-t  v-third  street,  the  entrance  being  from  Forty- 
second  street  through  a  building  125  feet  long.  On  either 
gide  of  the  passage  is  a  continuous  bazaar.  Jn  the  upper 
story  is  an  ice-cream  saloon  elegantly  fitted  up  for  ladies. 
The  tower  is  an  octagon,  75  feet  in  diameter  at  the  base, 
with  an  extreme  height  of  350  feet  It  is  of  timber,  well 
broced  with  iron,  and  is  anchored  at  each  of  the  eitrht  angles 
with  about  forty  tons  of  stone  and  timber.  The  first  story 
is  a  refreshment-saloon,  the  second  a  ladies'  ordinary.  These 
stories  are  enclosed,  and  are  together  about  twenty-five 
feet  in  height  Above  this  are  three  stories  of  open  work, 
and  then  an  enclosed  landing  arranged  in  good  6tvle. 
Here  is  the  first  look-out  125  feet  from  the  ground.  Then 
come  four  open  stories,  above  which  is  the  second  landing, 
225  feet  from  terra  firnia.  Passing  three  open  stories,  we 
reach  the  third  and  highest  landing,  300  feet  from  the 
base,  and  by  reason  of  the  height  of  ground,  about  175  feet 
higher  than  the  topmost  windows  in  St  Paul's  spire.  To 
aid  the  view  there  are  telescopes  at  each  landing,  with 
maps  and  directions  for  the  convenience  of  strangers.  Ac- 
cess to  the  first  and  second  landings  is  had  by  a  steam 
elevator,  running  up  a  well-way  in  the  centre  about  15 
feet  in  diameter.  From  the  second  to  the  third  landing  is  a 
winding  stairway.  The  tower  terminates  in  a  spire, 
with  a  flag-staff,  in  all  50  feet  above  the  highest  landing, 
thus  making  the  extreme  altitude  from  base  to  top  of  pole 
just  350  feet  The  cost  is  about  §100,000 ;  the  proprietors 
have  ten  years'  lease  of  the  ground.  Almost  every  body 
has  named  this  Barnum's  Tower,  under  the  belief  that  the 
great  showman  was  at  the  bottom  of  it.  But  such  is  not 
the  fact :  Mr.  B.  has  no  special  interest  in  any  affair  of 
public  entertainment  in  this  city  except  the  American 
Museum.  Some  idea  of  the  success  of  the  observatory 
may  be  formed  from  the  fact  that  at  least  eighteen 
thousand  persons  ascend  the  Bunker  Hill  Monument  in 


PLACES  OF  AMUSEMENT. 


85 


the  course  of  a  year ;  the  number  who  will  resort  to  this 
higher  elevation  will  probably  be  much  greater. 

Relative  height  of  several  other  lofty  structures. 

The  G  reat  Pyramid  514  feet 

St.  Peter's,  at  Rome  -164  " 

St  Paul's,  London,   404  " 

Trinity  Church,  New- York,        .       .       ,    284  " 
Bunker  Hill  Monument     .       .       .       .    220  " 
The  Washington  Monument,  (not  completed.)  520  " 
The  name  of  this  building  is  derived  from  its  originator, 
Warren  Latting,  Esq. 

CHRISTY'S  MINSTRELS, 

472  Broadway,  above  Grand  street. 

This  is  the  oldest  and  most  popular  of  the  Ethiopian 
Minstrel  bands,  and  their  hall  is  resorted  to  by  crowds  of 
persons  who  find  pleasure  in  observing  their  droll  deline- 
ations of  negro  costume  and  character,  and  in  the  really 
admirable  music  of  this  well-trained  brotherhood. 

WOOD'S  MINSTRELS, 

440  Broadway,  above  Howard  street. 

This  is  another  establishment,  similar  in  its  character  to 
the  Christys',  offering  to  the  public  good  music  and  the 
accommodations  of  a  superior  house.  The  two  establish- 
ments are  great  favorites  with  those  who  love  to  beguile 
their  cares  with  the  charms  of  music  and  a  hearty  laugh. 
The  price  of  admission  is  the  same  to  both  houses — 25 
cents.    Commence  at  8  o'clock. 


HOTELS. 

There  are  upon  Broadway  alone  some  twenty-five 
hotels,  all  elegant  in  their  appointments,  and  varying  in 
the  extent  of  their  accommodations  from  100  to  1,000 
guests.  The  charge  for  lodging  and  board  in  these  pala- 
tial tents  is  usually  two  dollars  or  three  dollars  per  day. 
Besides  those  more  recently  erected,  and  which  will  be 
fully  and  separately  described  below,  we  must  partiou- 


86 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


lariv  mention  the  famous  Astor  House — a  rare  example 
of  popular  favor,  deservedly  secured  in  the  first  instance, 
nnd  long  and  6urely  retained.  Indeed,  with  all  that  has 
been  done  by  those  who  have  followed  in  the  train  of 
hotel  improvement,  we  still  find  nothing  that  induces  us 
to  take  away  the  palm  of  well-established  supremacy 
from  the  Astor  House. 

Then,  also,  we  have  the  Irving,  directly  opposite  to 
Stewart's  marble  dry  goods  palace,  and  midway  between 
the  depots  of  the  Hudson  River  and  the  Harlem  Railroads. 
The  Irving  House,  like  the  Astor,  is  well  arranged  and 
well  ordered,  and  offers  a  convenient  resting-place  for 
those  who  prefer  to  be  near  the  banks,  the  places  of 
wholesale  trade,  and  all  the  other  attractions  of  "down 
town." 

Those,  however,  who  visit  the  city  mainly  for  pur- 
poses of  business  will  find  comfortable  accommodations  at 
Bixby's,  French's,  and  Lovejoy's  Hotels,  all  of  which  front 
the  City  Hall  l'ark,  and  are  on  the  European  plan— the 
guests  hiring  their  rooms,  and  procuring  their  meals 
either  in  the  hotel  or  where  else  they  please. 

THE  METKOPOLITAN, 

A  new  hotel,  on  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  Prince 
street,  is  considered  by  many  the  largest  and  most  magni- 
ficent establishment  of  the  kind  in  the  world.  It  is  built 
of  brown  stone,  six  stories  high,  and  the  building  alone 
cost  above  half  a  million  of  dollars.  Every  thing  about 
it  is  in  a  style  of  princely  magnificence.  The  halls,  par- 
lors, ordinaries,  dressing-rooms,  bathing-rooms,  bed-rooms, 
<fec,  are  all  furnished  with  a  sumptuous  elegance  that  it 
would  require  pages  to  describe,  and  of  which  description 
would  give  but  an  imperfect  idea. 

The  building  is  warmed  by  6team  furnished  by  large 
boilers,  and  is  provided  with  the  most  thorough  ventila- 
tion. It  is  delightfully  cool  even  in  the  hottest  weather. 
There  is  also  a  steam  engine  which  furnishes  power  for  a 
number  of  domestic  purposes,  and  for  forcing  water  to 
any  part  of  the  house  in  case  the  Croton  should  faiL 

There  are  upwards  of  two  miles  of  halls  in  this  estab- 
lishment, and  twelve  miles  of  gas  and  water  pipes.  There 
are  more  than  13,000  yards  of  carpeting  laid  down,  which 


HOTELS. 


ST 


eost,  with  the  superb  drapery,  $40,000.  The  cabinet  fur- 
niture cost  $50,000 ;  the  mirrors,  (some  of  them  the  largest 
ever  imported,)  about  $18,000;  the  silver  ware,  $14,000. 
The  cost  of  the  whole  establishment,  including  value  of 
the  ground,  ($300,000)  was  $950,000. 

To  strangers  visiting  New- York,  the  Metropolitan  will 
certainly  be  one  of  the  greatest  curiosities  which  the  city 
has  to  otter. 

THE  ST.  NICHOLAS. 

No  establishment  of  the  kind  in  New- York,  and  per- 
haps none  in  the  world,  can  surpass  the  elegance  of  the 
St.  Nicholas.  Its  front  of  white  marble,  extending  300  feet 
on  Broadway,  near  Spring  street,  is  a  conspicuous  object; 
while  the  whole  interior,  with  its  spacious  halls,  and  its 
wonderful  profusion  of  mirrors,  (numbering  110,)  increases 
the  admiration  of  the  visitor.  The  cost  of  the  completed 
building  and  its  furniture  is  not  far  from  $1,000,000.  The 
hotel  consists,  in  fact,  of  three  structures:  the  one  on 
Broadway,  another  immediately  behind  it,  and  a  third  on 
Mercer  street  in  the  rear;  which  together  are  capable  of 
affording  room  for  about  1,000  guests.  The  cooking  appa- 
ratus and  the  laundry  are  very  complete,  and  may  be 
seen  without  inconvenience.  The  great  attraction,  how- 
ever, is  the  bridal  chamber — a  dazzling  apartment,  hung 
with  white  satin,  and  with  exception  of  its  gas  fixtures, 
probably  the  most  elegant  and  sumptuous  room  in  New- 
York.  We  are  not  aware  of  the  price  set  upon  entertain- 
ment in  such  style,  but  presume  that  the  cost  of  a  honey- 
moon in  this  glittering  dormitory  would  suffice  to  support 
a  quiet  couple  for  some  years. 

THE  CLAREXDOX. 

This  elegant  establishment  is  on  the  corner  of  Fourth 
Avenue  and  Eighteenth  street,  and  unites  the  order  of  a 
first-class  hotel  with  the  comfort  and  quietness  of  a  "  home." 
It  is  in  the  near  neighborhood  of  Union  and  Grammercy 
Parks,  and  but  a  short  distance  from  Fifth  Avenue — the 
finest  street  and  the  admitted  promenade  of  New- York. 
The  house  is  divided  into  suites  of  apartments,  with  nil  the 
modern  improvements  of  baths,  &c. — the  whole  being 
heated  by  steam,  and  is  capable  of  accommodating  200 


88 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


guests.  The  cost  of  furnishing  exceeded  $80,000.  The  edi- 
fice is  of  the  Elizabethan  order,  and  is  elaborately  finished 
throughout  Families  and  travellers  generally  Will  find  in 
Mr.  Putnam,  the  proprietor,  an  experienced  and  courteous 
host 

THK  ST.  DENIS, 

On  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  Eleventh  street,  is  a 
quaint,  original-looking  building  opposite  Grace  Church, 
and  having  all  the  advantages  of  an  up-town  house.  The 
appearance  of  the  establishment  is  attractive,  and  might 
have  been  almost  unequalled  in  the  city,  had  it  occurred 
to  the  ingenious  architect  to  adorn  the  structure  with  a 
fair  proportion  of  door-way.  A  building  situated  down- 
town, to  which  we  have  had  occasion  to  allude,  mitriit  have 
imparted  somewhat  of  the  grandeur  of  its  entrance  to  the 
St.  Ileitis,  to  the  manifest  improvement  of  both. 

THE  KEMBLE  HOUSE, 

Ifo.  45  East  Nineteenth  street,  comprises  four  magnifi- 
cent houses  on  the  block  between  Fourth  Avenue  and 
Broadway.  Those  who  desire  the  attendance  and  luxuries 
of  a  first-class  hotel,  combined  with  the  quiet  and  seclu- 
sion of  a  private  dwelling,  will  find  themselves  perfectly 
6uited  in  the  accommodation  it  affords.  The  location  is  in 
the  most  delightful  and  fashionable  quarter  of  the  city, 
and  convenient  to  cars  and  stages  in  every  direction. 

THE  PKESCOTT  HOUSE. 

Except  in  magnitude,  this  hotel  building  surpasses  every 
one  of  its  predecessors.  Indeed,  we  are  astonished  at  the 
novel  splendors  which  competition  has  suggested.  The 
ceilings  are  most  elaborately  gorgeous,  being  panelled, 
carved,  and  profusely  adorned  with  gilding.  Ihe  floors 
of  the  principal  rooms  and  halls  are  covered  with  tiles  of 
various  rich  colors,  arranged  in  a  carpet-like  pattern, 
•which  contrast  beautifully  with  the  white  and  gold  of  the 
walls  and  ceiling.  A  considerable  part  of  the  furniture 
of  the  Preseott  House  has  been  made  to  order  in  Paris 
and  London. 

THE  EAFAKGE  HOTEL. 

The  marble  pile  of  the  Lafarge  Hotel,  in  front  of  Triple! 
Hall,  consists  of  seven  stories,  and  from  its  situation  and 


PRIVATE  RESIDENCES.  89 

the  completeness  of  its  arrangements,  is  entitled  to  rank 
among  our  finest  hotels. 


PRIVATE  RESIDENCES. 

Visitors  who  desire  to  form  an  accurate  idea  of  the  pro- 
gress of  house-building  in  New- York  during  the  last 
twenty  years,  should  commence  their  survey  by  repairing 
to  Lafayette  Place,  on  the  west  side  of  which  are  seen  the 
houses  known  as  La  Grange  Terrace,  or  Lafayette  Row — 
a  colonnade  erected  eighteen  or  twenty  years  since,  by  Mr, 
Seth  Geer.  At  the  time  of  their  erection,  the}-  wer« 
esteemed  the  most  elegant  private  residences  in  New- 
York,  but  have  since  been,  as  we  shall  see,  both  far  and 
frequently  surpassed.  A  single  house  built  at  about  the 
same  time  with  these,  is  that  formerly  the  residence  of  the 
late  Ilenry  Brevoort,  on  the  corner  of  Fifth  Avenue  and 
Ninth  street,  and  which  was  one  of  the  first  buildings 
erected  in  this  luxurious  neighborhood. 

Taking  Washington  Square  as  our  starting-point,  let  us 
pass  up  the  avenue,  surveying  at  our  leisure  the  stately 
mansions  that  rise  on  either  hand.  On  the  corner  of 
Tenth  street  is  a  house  in  the  style  of  a  French  chateau, 
an  agreeable  departure  from  the  uniformity  of  our  city 
residences,  owned  and  occupied  by  Mr.  Schiff.  Diagonally 
opposite  is  the  residence  of  Mr.  Cottenet. 

On  the  right-hand  side  of  the  avenue,  on  the  corner  of 
Twelfth  street,  is  the  princely  mansion  of  James  Lenox, 
Esq.  On  the  west  side,  between  Thirteenth  and  Fourteenth 
streets,  a  house  with  heavy  stone  balcony  is  occupied  by 
August  Belmont,  Esq. 

On  the  north-east  corner  of  Fourteenth  street  is  the  spa- 
cious residence  of  Mr.  Moses  II.  Grinnell,  well  known  as  an 
enterprising  and  liberal  merchant. 

On  the  lower  corner  of  Fifteenth  street,  east  side,  is  the 
huise  of  Mr.  R.  K.  Haight;  opposite  to  which  is  that  of 
(icorge  Law,  Esq.  At  this  point  we  advise  our  friends 
to  turn  the  corner  of  Sixteenth  street  to  the  left,  and 
observe  the  elegant  abode  of  Col.  Thorn,  conspicuous  from 
being  surrounded  by  a  court-3'ard,  affording  room  foi 
8* 


90 


CITY  OP  NEW-YORK. 


windows  on  every  side.  Returning  to  the  avenue,  we 
have  on  the  right  upper  corner  of  Sixteenth  street  the 
house  of  Cuptain  Spencer,  late  of  the  U.  S.  Navy.  This 
house,  though  no  wise  distinguished  for  architectural 
heauty,  cost,  together  with  the  site,  $100,000. 

On  the  north-east  corner  of  Eighteenth  street,  a  house 
remarkable  for  its  simple  and  elegant  proportions  is  occu- 
pied by  Mr.  Gihon.    It  is  very  generally  admired. 

At  the  north-west  corner  of  Twentieth  street,  we  have 
a  very  elegant  house,  recently  erected  by  R.  L.  Stuart 
Esq.  The  kouse  at  the  north-east  corner,  having  a  porta 
eoehere  at  the  side,  is  the  residence  of  Mr.  Nicholson,  for- 
merly of  New-Orleans,  and  one  of  the  firm  of  Brown, 
Brothers  <fc  Co. 

At  the  north-west  corner  of  Thirty-fourth  street  is  the 
elegant  mansion  of  Dr.  Townsend,  widely  known  as  the 
compounder  of  the  famous  sarsaparilla  syrup.  There  are 
besides  many  other  elegant  houses  upon  this  avenue,  which 
deserve  a  separate  notice,  but  this  our  limits  forbid. 

Several  conspicuous  houses  in  other  parts  of  "  up  town" 
must,  however,  be  mentioned ;  as,  for  example,  that  of 
Dr.  Moffat,  in  Seventeenth  street,  fronting  Union  Square  ; 
that  of  P.  Lorillard,  Esq.,  in  Broadway,  corner  of  Tenth 
street,  and  opposite  Grace  Church ;  that  of  W.  B.  Astor, 
Esq.,  in  Lafayette  Place,  next  to  the  Astor  Library,  and 
the  residence  of  that  enlightened  and  liberal  citizen,  Peter 
Cooper,  Esq.,  No.  9  Lexington  Avenue,  near  Twenty- 
second  street 


BESTAIRANT  SALOONS. 

Taylor's,  at  365  Broadway,  corner  of  Franklin  street,  is 
probably  the  most  costly  establishment  of  this  sort  in  the 
country.  The  walls  are  adorned  with  a  profusion  of  gild- 
ing, the  effect  of  which  is  still  further  increased  by  numer- 
ous large  and  costly  mirrors. 

Thompson's,  at  359  Broadway,  is  also  an  elegant  estab- 
lishment, admirably  well  conducted,  and  largely  patron- 
ized by  those  who  "pass,  for  business  or  pleasure,  through 
the  great  thoroughfare. 

Ladies,  when  on  shopping  excursions,  very  frequently 
betake  themselves  to  Taylor's  or  Thompson's,  for  rest  and 
refreshment. 


MARKETS  IN  NEW-YORK. 


91 


REFECTORIES  AND  OTSTERIES. 

The  number  of  refectories  in  New- York  is  very  great, 
and  we  are  consequently  obliged  to  indicate  those  only 
which  occur  to  us  as  most  convenient  of  access,  or  which, 
upon  other  accounts,  are  suited  to  our  design  : 

Clarke  &  Brown,  86  and  88  Maiden  Lane. 

Geo.  W.  Browne,  123  and  125  Water  street. 

John  Berry,  6  Broad  street 

A.  D.  Thompson,  25  Pine  street,  next  to  rear  of  Custom 
House. 

John  Taylor,  305  Broadway. 

Thompson  <fc  Son,  359  Broadway. 

The  Kainbow.  31  &  33  Beekman  street. 

The  consumption  of  oysters  in  New-York  is  enormous, 
as  may  be  seen  from  the  fact  that  one  thousand  five  Inin- 
dred  and  twenty  boats  are  engaged  in  supplying  the  city 
with  this  article  alone  ;  and  that  the  value  of  the  oysters 
consumed  in  New- York  in  one  year,  is  §5,300,000 — nearly 
$15,000  per  day.  There  are  comparatively  few  establish- 
ments which  deal  exclusively  in  oysters.  They  may  had, 
however,  with  other  delicacies,  of 

Chas.  Parker,  20  Dey  street 

McJilton,  96  Nassau  street. 

Florence,  609  Broadway. 

Sherwood,  239  and  240  Broadway. 

Shelley's,  Broadway,  corner  of  Anthony  street. 


MARKETS  IN  NEW-YORK. 

A  market-place  for  the  accommodation  of  the  butchers 
and  the  country-people  was  anciently  render  the  trees  in 
front  of  the  fort,  near  the  corner  of  Water  and  Whitehall 
streets.  As  the  city  enlarged,  the  market-places  were 
removed  to  the  east  and  north,  first  at  the  foot  of  Broad 
street,  then  to  Coenties  Slip,  and  subsequently  to  Old  Slip, 
and  to  the  Vlie,  (a  Dutch  word,  indicating  a  valley — a  rural 
spot,  formed  by  a  river  which  formerly  run  up  Maiden 
Lane,)  or  Fly  Market,  foot  of  Maiden  Lane,  and  to  Fulton 
and  Catharine  streets. 

The  market-houses  of  this  city  are  now  judiciously  cUV 


92 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


tributed  in  various  quarters  of  the  town,  to  suit  the 
wants  and  convenience  of  the  citizens  ;  the  two  principal 
ones  being  situated  close  to  the  water,  one  on  the  Hudson 
and  one  on  the  East  river,  at  the  extremity  of  Fulton 
street  on  each  side,  and  adjacent  to  the  two  most  import- 
ant ferries,  which  render  them  very  accessible  to  the 
country-people  and  the  fishermen. 

Fulton  Market. — The  Fulton  Market  was  built  in  1821, 
on  ground  formerly  occupied  by  unsightly  wooden  build- 
ings, which  were  destroyed  by  fire.  It  covers  the  block 
bounded  by  Fulton,  South,  Beekman  and  Front  streets, 
and  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  §220,000. 

"Washington  Market. — The  next  principal  market  is  the 
Washington  Market,  in  Washington  street,  corner  of 
Vesey  and  Fulton  streets,  near  the  water's  edge.  It  occu- 
pies a  whole  square,  and  is  very  similar  to  the  Fulton 
market  in  its  construction  and  internal  arrangement*. 
This  market  was  formerly  called  the  Bear  Market,  from  the 
fact  that  bear  meat  was  there  exposed  for  sale.  The 
amount  of  business  done  here  is  less  than  at  the  Fulton, 
but  the  whole  south  and  west  population  of  the  city  fre- 
quent it  The  products  of  the  North  river  country  find  their 
principal  sale  in  this  market 

C.\TnAEiNE  Market,  Catharine  Slip,  occupies  a  small 
square  between  Cherry  and  South  streets. 

Centre  Market,  Centre  street,  between  Grand  and 
Broome.  This  market  occupies  a  large  building,  two 
stories  high,  and  substantially  built  of  brick.  The  market- 
rooms  run  its  whole  length,  with  stalls  on  each  side,  simi- 
lar to  the  Boston  markets,  and  it  presents  a  neat  and  com- 
fortable appearance,  free  from  the  bustle  and  confusion 
that  is  so  conspicuous  in  the  other  markets.  The  halls  in 
the  second  story  are  occupied  by  certain  military  com- 
panies as  armories  and  drill-rooms ;  and  for  various  other 
purposes  by  the  city  police. 

Chelsea  Market — In  Ninth  Avenue,  near  Eighteenth 
street 

Clinton  Market — Between  Washington  and  West  streets, 
and  between  Spring  and  Canal  streets. 


THE  NOVELTY  WORKS. 


93 


Jefferson  Market — Sixth  Avenue,  comer  of  Greenwich 
lane. 

Tompkins  Market — Third  Avenue,  between  Sixth  and 
Seventh  streets. 

All  the  markets  are  required  by  law  to  close  every  day, 
except  Saturdays,  at  12  o'clock;  after  which  they  are 
thoroughly  washed.  On  Saturdays  they  keep  open  till  12 
o'clock  at  night.  Each  market  has  a  clerk  appointed  by 
the  city,  who  attends  to  the  general  conduct  of  its  affairs. 


THE  NOVELTY  WORKS. 

Our  readers  should  not  fail  to  visit  the  extensive  range 
of  buildings  known  by  the  above  name,  and  situated  on 
the  East  river  at  the  foot  of  Twelfth  street;  nor,  when  on 
the  spot,  should  they  neglect  to  see  all  the  marvels  of 
science  which  are  here  brought  together.  The  most 
attractive  of  these  are  the  cutting  engine,  the  bending 
and  punching  engine,  and  the  boring  engine;  all  of  which 
may  be  seen  intelligently  occupied  in  contributing  to  the 
completeness  of  a  gigantic  steam  engine,  or  of  some  other 
scarcely  less  useful  or  less  wonderful  machine.  Besides 
these  engines,  we  have  various  forms  of  lathes,  some  of 
enormous  size,  but  all  as  deftly  managed  as  the  smallest 
and  handiest  tools.  One  of  the  cleverest  contrivances 
manufactured  at  these  works,  is  Burden's  Gold  Crusher — 
in  form,  an  enormous  saucer,  which  is  kept  moving  by  its 
appropriate  machinery,  while  a  ball  of  several  hundred 
pounds  weight  rolls  easily  and  steadily  in  the  bottom  of 
the  dish.  The  cost  of  the  largest  crushers  is  §2,000,  from 
which  we  may  form  a  judgment  of  their  size  and  finish. 
Here, too,  the  visitor  may  gaze  upon  torrents  of  hot  metal 
and  lakes  of  liquid  fire,  but  all  controlled  and  fashioned 
by  that  most  potent  of  magicians — the  well-instructed 
man  of  science. 

Those  who  have  seen  one  of  our  colossal  steamers 
calmly  ploughing  the  waters  of  our  rivers  ami  bays,  may 
learn  l  lie  secret  by  which  this  feat  is  accomplished,  by 
Spending  a  few  hours  at  the  Novelty  Works  ;  and  those 
who  contemplate  a  trip  to  California,  and  purpose  to  dig 
into  its  auriferous  mountains,  may  perhaps  be  profited  by 
a  visit  to  the  same  resort. 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


FERRIES. 

All  the  ferries  of  New-York  are  supplied  with  large 
and  safe  boats,  well  fitted  up  for  the  accommodation  of 
paeaengen  in  inclement  weather.  The  Fulton  Ferry,  in 
I  m  ti  i.-uiar,  has  some  retj  fine  boats.  The  ferries  are  sources 
of  large  revenue  to  the  city,  being  leased  by  the  Corporation 
to  separate  companies. 

UT  TO  BROOKLYN. 

Fallon  Ferry— From  Fulton  street,  New-York,  to  Fulton 
street,  Brooklyn,  is  731  yards  wide.  Boats  leave  every 
five  minutes  during  the  day  and  evening  till  twelve 
o'clock,  after  which  they  leave  every  half  hour  till  morn- 
ing.   Fare,  one  cent.       [For  particular!  see  "Biiooklyn. 

Smith  Ferry—From  Whitehall  street,  near  the  Battery, 
East  river,  to  Atlantic  street,  Brooklyn.  Same  regulations 
us  the  Fulton  Ferry.     This  ferry  is  1,476  yards  wide. 

Hamilton  Ferry— From  the  foot  of  Whitehall  street, 
near  the  Battery,  to  Hamilton  Avenue,  Brooklyn,  and  the 
Atlantic  Docks.    Every  15  minutes. 

Catharine  Ferry— From  Catharine  street,  New- York,  to 
Main  street,  Brooklyn,  is  736  yards  wide.  Boats  run 
every  six  minutes  during  the  day,  and  all  night,  as  at  the 
Fulton  Ferry. 

Jackson  Ferry— From  Gouverneur  street,  New-York, 
to  Jackson  street,  Brooklyn,  is  707  yards  wide.  Boats  run 
every  15  minutes. 

Wall  street  Ferry— From  Wall  street  to  Montague 
Place,  Brooklyn.    Every  5  minutes. 

Roosevelt  Ferry- -From  Roosevelt  street  to  Bridge  street, 
Brooklyn,  recently  established,  with  new  and  superior 
boats,  running  every  10  minutes. 

P£-  TO  YVIIXIAMSBrBG. 

Peck  Slip  Ferry— From  Peek  Slip,  near  Fulton  street,  to 
"Williamsburg.    Every  15  minutes.    2,800  yards. 


FERRIES. 


95 


Grand  street  Ferry — To  Grand  street,  "Williamsburg. 
900  yards.    Boats  run  every  10  minutes. 

Houston  street  Ferry — To  Grand  street,  "Williamsburg. 
700  yards.    Every  10  minutes. 

<SW  TO  HOBOKEN. 

Barclay  street  Ferry — To  Hoboken,  every  15  minutes 
during  the  day.  This  ferry  is  two  miles  long,  and  has 
admirable  boats.    Ferriage,  three  cents. 

Canal  street  Ferry — From  the  foot  of  Canal  street,  one 
mile  and  a  half  long.    Every  15  minutes. 

Christopher  street  Ferry — From  the  foot  of  Christopher 
street,  one  mile  long.  Boats  run  every  15  minutes.  Fer- 
riage, four  cents. 

West  Nineteenth  street  Ferry — Every  hour  in  slimmer 
to  the  Elysian  Fields,  Hoboken,  affording  a  fine  oppor- 
tunity of  a  drive  'without  passing  through  the  lower  and 
more  disagreeable  portions  of  the  city.    Fare,  four  cents. 

EF-TO  JERSEY  CITT. 

Jersey  City  Ferry — From  the  foot  of  Cortlandt  street, 
one  mile  long.  Boats  run  every  10  minutes  during  the 
day,  and  every  half  hour  during  the  night,  till  twelve 
o'clock.    Ferriage,  four  cents. 

Z3S~  TO  STATEN  ISLAND. 

Slaten  Island  Ferry. — This  ferry  lands  at  the  Quaran- 
tine, and  at  the  lower  landing.  Starts  from  Whitehall 
street  every  hour,  except  12  M.,  during  the  day,  in  sum- 
mer.   Fare,  6J  cents.    Distance,  six  miles. 

tt^"  TO  BLACKWELL'8  ISLANB. 

From  foot  of  Sixty -first  street.    Fare,  12£  cents. 

TB~  TO  ASTORIA. 

Hurl  Gate  Ferry — From  Eighty -sixth  street.  Every  15 
minutes.    Three  cents. 

Albany,  People's  Line,  steamboat,  (evening,)  Pier  14,  be* 
tween  Cortlandt  and  Liberty  streets. 


90  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 

Albany  steamboat,  Pier  18  N.   R.,  foot  of  Cortlaudt 

street 

All/an;/  steamboat,  Pier  21  N.  R,  West,  between  Barclay 

■ad  Robinson  streets. 


RAILROADS. 

THi:  III  1>»<>\  KIVJ  H  It  MI  HO  AD. 

The  lower  depot  of  tliis  road  is  at  the  intersection  of 
Chambers  street  and  Hudson,  from  which  ears  convey 
passengers  to  the  upper  dejxH,  corner  of  Tenth  Avenue  and 
fhirty-first  street,  where  the  engine  is  taken  and  the 
journey  fairly  begun.  This  road  extends  to  East  Albany, 
a  distance  of  144  miles.    It  cost  $9,300,000. 

In  order  to  promote  the  comfort  of  those  who  travel  on 
this  road,  we  append  the  following,  from  the  Albany 
Journal: 

"Ax  Aiimy  with  Banxlrs." — As  you  are  whirled  along 
over  the  Hudson  River  Railroad  at  the  rate  of  40  miles  an 
hour,  you  catch  a  glimpse,  every  minute  or  two,  of  a  man 
waving  something  like  a  white  pocket-handkerchief  on  the 
end  of  a  stick,  with  a  satisfactory  sort  of  expression  of 
countenance.  If  you  take  the  trouble  to  count,  you  will 
find  that  it  happens  some  two  hundred  times  between 
East  Albany  and  Thirty  -first  street  It  looks  like  rather  a 
useless  ceremony,  at  first  glance,  but  it  is  a  pretty  import- 
ant one,  nevertheless. 

There  are  225  of  these  "  flagmen"  stationed  at  intervals 
along  .the  whole  length  of  the  line.  Just  before  a  train  is 
to  pass,  each  one  walks  over  his  "  beat,"  and  looks  to  see 
that  even-  track  and  tie,  every  tunnel  switch,  rail,  elamp 
and  rivet,  is  in  good  order  and  free  from  obstruction.  If 
60,  he  takes  his  stand  witli  a  white  flag  and  waves  it  to 
the  approaching  train  as  a  signal  to  "  come  on" — and  come 
on  it  does,  at  full  speed.  If  there  is  any  thing  wronpr,  he 
waves  a  red  flag,  or  at  night  a  red  lamp,  and  the 
engineer,  on  seeing  it,  promptly  shuts  off  the  steam,  and 
sounds  the  whistle  to  "  put  down  the  brakes."  Every 


RAILROADS. 


07 


nch  of  the  road  is  carefully  examined  after  the  passage 
of  each  train.    Austrian  espionage  is  hardly  more  strict 

NEW- YORK  AND  NEW-HAVEN  RAILROAD. 

This  road,  built  at  a  cost  of  $4,233,000,  extends  from 
New-York  to  New-Haven,  a  distance  of  76  miles  ;  thence, 
a  road  runs  to  Springfield,  63  miles ;  from  which  another 
extends  to  Boston,  100  miles ;  the  distance  being  travelled 
in  about  eight  hours. 

This  route  to  Boston  is  much  travelled  by  those  who 
object  to  a  night  upon  the  Sound.  The  stations  of  this 
road  are  at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  Canal  street,  and 
Fourth  Avenue  and  Twenty-seventh  street.  The  engine 
is  attached  at  Thirty-second  street. 

NEW- YORK  AND  HARLEM  RAILROAD. 

The  route  travelled  by  this  road  is  from  the  depot  on 
the  east  side  of  the  City  Hall,  through  Centre  street  to 
Grand,  and  thence  to  the  Bowery ;  up  the  Bowery  to 
Fourth  Avenue,  which  last  it  follows  for  the  remainder  of 
its  way  through  the  city.  The  cars  take  the  engine  at 
Thirty -second  street.  The  trains  run  on  this  road  to 
Albany  and  intermediate  places.  Up  to  William's  Bridge, 
14  miles  from  the  city,  the  same  track  is  used  for  the  cars 
of  the  New-York  and  New-Haven  Railroad.  The  cost  of 
the  road  to  Albany  is  stated  at  $4,873,318. 

The  tunnel  at  Yorkville  (an  engraving  of  which  will 
accompany  this  article)  is  an  excavation  in  the  solid  rock, 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  long,  handsomely  finished  at  both 
ends,  and  approached  through  a  long,  deep  cut  of  more 
than  a  mile  in  length.  This  road  furnishes  the  means  of 
a  delightful  journey  into  the  country.  In -the  spring  and 
summer,  when  the  weather  is  favorable,  it  is  traversed  by 
immense  numbers  of  New-York  citizens.  Cars  leave  the 
d6pot,  City  Hall,  for  Twent}T-seventh  street,  every  six 
minutes,  from  half-past  seven  A.  M.  to  eight  P.  M.  Cars 
leave  City  Hall  (night  line)  every  twenty  minutes,  from 
eight  to  twelve.  Cars  leave  the  City  Hall  every  hour 
during  the  day  for  Harlem,  and  return  as  often. 

THE  OMNIBUSES  AND  RAILBUSES. 

There  are  29  lines  of  omnibuses  now  running  in  the 
city,  comprising  671  veliicles.    These  stages  make  about 
9 


98 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


10  down  and  10  up  trips  daily,  or  13,420  trips  per  day, 
averaging  at  least  40,000  miles'  travel.  We  estimate  the 
number  of  passengers  at  an  average  of  nine  for  each  trip, 
which  shows  that  1-20,000  passengers  are  carried,  for  whick 
$7,200  per  day  is  received.  One  year  ago  there  were  but 
501  omnibuses,  so  the  cars  do  not  seem  to  have  entirely 
ruined  the  stage  business,  as  the  latter  has  increased 
nearly  20  per  cent  during  the  first  year  of  railroad  com- 
petition. 

The  Harlem  and  Sixth  and  Eighth  Avenue  Railroads 
now  run  about  100  cars  for  city  passengers.  These  make 
800  up  and  BOO  down  trips,  with  perhaps  18  passengers 
each  wav,  or  28,800  passengers,  at  $1,500  per  day. 

This  makes  about  100,000  passengers  daily  in  public 
vehicles,  without  counting  500  hacks,  which  are  used 
irregularly,  as  the  weather  may  demand. 

The  entire  number  of  rides  in  stages  and  cars  are  more 
than  50,000,000  per  annum,  collecting  small  change  to  the 
amount  of  two  millions  of  dollars.  The  business  gives 
employment  to  from  1,500  to  2,000  men,  and  more  than 
3,000  horses.  A  list  of  the  omnibuses  and  their  routes 
will  be  found  at  the  end  of  this  volume. 


EXPRESSES. 

Adams',  East,  South,  and  California,  59  Broadway. 
American  Express  Company,  North  and  West,  10  Wall 
street. 

Berford's,  California,  3  Vesey  street 
Harnden's,  East  and  South,  0  Wall  street 
Kinsley's,  East  and  South,  72  Broadway. 

Hoey*s,  Charleston  and  New-Orleans,  19  Wall  street 
Harlem  Railroad,  Tryon  Row,  east  of  City  HalL 
Hudson  River  Railroad,  8  Hudson  street. 
Long  Island  Railroad,  foot  of  Atlantic  street,  Brooklyn. 
Note. — Express  offices  for  the  surrounding  cities  and 
villages,  at  some  of  the  above  offices. 


HACKNEY-COACHES,  AC. 


99 


HACKNEY-COACH  STANDS. 

L  In  Park  Place. 

2.  In  Broadway,  around  the  Bowling  Green. 

3.  In  Pearl  street,  at  Hanover  Square. 

4.  In  Hudson  street,  along  St.  John's  Park. 

5.  In  Hudson  street,  near  Huane. 

6.  In  Chatham  Square. 

7.  On  the  north  side  of  Canal  street,  near  Broadway. 

8.  Near  all  the  principal  steamboat  landings. 

rUBLIC  PORTERS  AND  UAND-CART  MEN  RATES  OF  FARE. 

Every  public  porter  shall  wear,  in  a  conspicuous  place 
about  his  person,  so  as  to  be  easily  seen,  a  brass  plate  or 
badge,  on  which  shall  be  engraved  his  name,  the  words 
"  public  porter,"  and  the  number  of  his  license  ;  and  it 
shall  be  unlawful  for  any  other  person  to  wear  or  exhibit 
any  badge,  purporting  to  be,  resembling,  or  similar  to,  the 
badge  of  a  public  porter ;  and  no  public  porter  shall  per- 
mit any  other  person  to  wear  his  badge,  or  use  his  name 
in  any  way  whatever,  in  the  transportation  or  conveyance 
of  any  thing. 

Public  porters  shall  be  entitled  to  charge  and  receive 
for  the  carrying  or  conveyance  of  any  article  any  distance 
within  half  a  mile,  twelve  cents,  if  carried  by  hand,  and 
twenty -five  cents,  if  carried  on  a  wheelbarrow  or  hand- 
cart :  if  the  distance  exceeds  half  a  mile,  and  is  within 
one  mile,  one  half  of  the  above  rates  in  addition  thereto, 
and  in  the  same  proportion  for  any  greater  distance. 

If  any  public  porter  shall  ask  or  demand  any  greater 
rate  of  pay  or  compensation  for  the  carrying  or  convey- 
ance of  any  articles  than  is  herein  provided,  he  shall  not 
be  entitled  to  an}'  pay  for  the  said  service  ;  and  to  so  ask, 
demand,  or  receive  any  such  greater  pay  or  compensation, 
shall  be  deemed  a  violation  of  this  ordinance. 

It  shall  not  be  lawful  for  any  person  to  represent  him- 
self as,  or  to  wear  or  exhibit  any  badge,  inscription,  card, 
or  device,  purporting  or  implying  that  he  is  employed  or 
authorized  by  the  keeper,  proprietors,  agent,  or  officer  of 
any  hotel,  boarding-house,  vessel,  steamboat  or  railroad 
company,  to  solicit,  receive,  or  convey  persons,  baggage^ 
or  other  things  to  or  from  any  such  hotel,  boarding  house, 


100 


CITY  OF  NF.W-YOKK. 


vessel,  steamboat,  or  railroad  company's  station  or  d£p6t 
without  being  actually  and  duly  authorized  by  such  keeper, 
proprietor,  officer,  or  agent  so  to  do,  under  the  penalty  of 
twenty-five  dollars  for  every  offense. 

All  "persons  who  shall  violate  or  fail  to  comply  with  any 
of  the  provisions  of  this  ordinance,  shall  be  deemed  guilty 
of  a  misdemeanor,  and  on  conviction  thereof  shall  be  pun- 
ished, pursuant  to  the  provisions  of  sections  20  and  21  of 
an  act  relative  to  the  powers  of  the  Common  Council  of 
the  city  of  New-York,  and  the  criminal  courts  of  said  city, 
passed"  bv  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  New-York, 
January  23d,  1833 ;  or,  in  lieu  thereof,  shall  forfeit  and 
pay,  for  the  use  of  said  city,  ten  dollars  for  each  and  every 
offense,  except  where  a  penalty  is  prescribed  in  said  ordi- 
nance. 

CARRIAGE  FARES. 

The  prices  or  rates  of  fares  to  be  taken  by  or  paid  to  the 
owners  or  drivers  of  hackney-coaches  or  carriages,  shall 
be  as  follows: 

1st  For  conveying  a  passenger  any  distance  not  exceed- 
ing one  mile,  fifty  cents  ;  for  conveying  two  passengers  the 
same  distance,  seventy-five  cents,  or  thirty -seven  and  a  half 
cents  each;  and  for  every  additional  passenger,  thirty- 
seven  and  a  half  cents. 

2d.  For  conveying  a  passenger  any  distance  exceeding  a 
mile,  and  within  two  miles,  seventy-five  cents;  and  for 
every  additional  passenger,  thirty -seven  and  a  half  cents. 

3d.  For  conveying  one  passenger  to  the  New  Aims-House, 
and  returning,  one  dollar ;  and  for  every  additional  pas- 
senger and  returning,  fifty  cents. 

4th.  For  conveying  one  passenger  to  Fortieth  street,  and 
remaining  half  an  hour,  and  returning,  one  dollar  and  a 
half ;  and  for  every  additional  passenger,  fifty  cents. 

5th.  For  conveying  one  passenger  to  Sixty-first  street, 
and  remaining  three  quarters  of  an  hour,  and  returnim.', 
two  dollars,  and  for  every  additional  passenger,  fifty 
cents. 

6th.  For  conveying  one  passenger  to  Eighty-sixth  street, 
and  remaining  one  hour,  and  returning,  two  dollars  and 
a  half;  and  for  every  additional  passenger,  seventy -five 
cents. 


NEW-YOKK  NEWSPAPERS. 


101 


7  th.  For  conveying  one  or  more  passengers  to  Harlem, 
and  returning,  with  the  privilege  of  remaining  three  hours, 
five  dollars ;  or  to  the  High  Bridge,  five  dollars,  with  the 
same  privilege. 

8th.  For  conveying  one  or  more  passengers  to  King's 
Bridge,  and  returning,  with  the  privilege  of  keeping  the 
carriage  all  day,  five  dollars. 

9th.  For  the  use  of  a  hackney-coach  or  carriage  by  the 
day,  with  one  or  more  passengers,  five  dollars. 

10th.  For  the  use  of  a  haekuey-coach  oi  carriage  by 
the  hour,  with  one  or  more  passengers,  with  the  privilege 
of  going  from  place  to  place,  and  stopping  as  often  as  may 
be  required,  one  dollar  an  hour. 

11th.  In  all  eases  where  the  hiring  of  a  hackney-coach 
or  carriage  is  not  at  the  time  thereof  specified  to  be  by 
the  day  or  hour,  it  shall  be  deemed  to  be  by  the  mile. 

12th.  For  cliildren  between  two  and  fourteen  years  of 
age,  half  price  is  only  to  be  charged ;  and  for  children 
under  two  years  of  age,  no  charge  is  to  be  made. 

13th.  Whenever  a  hackney-coach  or  carriage  shall  be 
detained,  excepting  as  aforesaid,  the  owner  or  driver  shall 
be  allowed  after  the  rate  of  seventy-five  cents  an  hour. 

NEW-TORK  NEWSPAPERS. 

There  are  fifteen  daily  papers  published  in  New- York, 
the  average  aggregate  issue  of  which  is  130,000  copies. 
Two  fifths  of  these  are  circulated  in  the  country,  leaving 
three  fifths  for  the  town,  which  is  at  the  rate  of  rather 
more  than  one  copy  for  every  ten  inhabitants  of  New- York. 
There  are  ten  daily  papers  published  in  London,  the 
average  aggregate  issue  of  which  is  about  C5,000.  Only 
one  third  of  these  is  supposed  to  be  retained  for  circula- 
tion in  the  metropolis,  being  in  the  proportion  of  rather 
less  than  one  for  every  hundred  inhabitants. 

THE  TRIBUNE  PRINTING  OFFICE 

Is  open  to  the  public,  affording  a  view  of  the  steam 
cylinder  presses  in  operation,  on  any  Thursday  between 
9  A.M.  and  2^  P.M.  This  is  the  most  favorable  time  for 
visiting  the  otfice,  though  admittance  may  be  had  on  any 
day  of  the  week  from  2  to  3J-  P.M. 
9* 


102 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


THE  CHURCHES  OF  NEW-YORK. 


SUMMARY  OF  CO.VGKEGATIOXB. 

There  are  in  New-York  no  less  than  272  congregations, 
some  of  which  occupy  churches  of  great  elegance,  while 
others  resort  to  plainer  and  smaller  structures.  The  most 
noleil  of  these  are  particularly  described  below,  but  some 
of  those  that  we  have  omitted,  through  want  of  space,  are 
well  worth  a  visit.  Many  of  the  congregations  have  been 
scnsibl}-  diminished  of  late  years  from  the  removal  of 
pew  occupants  to  the  upper  part  of  the  city.  In  general, 
the  churches  of  the  metropolis  are  well  attended.  We 
add  a  table  showing  the  number  of  churches  belonging 
to  the  several  religious  bodies. 


Baptist   35 

Congregational    7 

Dutch  Reformed   19 

Friends   4 

Jewish  Synagogues   13 

Lutheran   6 

Methodist  Episcopal   30 

African  Episcopal   3 

Methodist  Protestant   2 

New  Jerusalem     1 

Presbvterian   38 

Associate  Presbyterian   4 

Associate  Reformed  Presbyterian   2 

Reformed  Presbyterian   5 

Primitive  Christians    3 

Protestant  Episcopalians   49 

Roman  Catholic   24 

Second  Advent   4 

Unitarian   2 

Universalist   5 

Miscellaneous   16 


272 


THE  NEW-YORK  PULPIT. 


103 


THE  NEW-YORK  PULPIT. 

The  stranger  visiting  New-York  will  doubtless  feel  an 
interest  in  knowing  where  he  may  profitably  and  pleas- 
antly spend  the  hours  of  the  Sabbath  day. 

We  therefore  propose  to  give  a  brief  and  general  notice 
of  several  distinguished  preachers,  indicating  in  each  in- 
stance where  they  may  be  heard.  Commencing  our  sur- 
vey at  the  upper  portion  of  the  city,  we  will  enter  the 
new  church  at  the  corner  of  Nineteenth  street  and  Fifth 
Avenue,  which  is  worthy  of  the  highest  regard,  as  well  for 
the  architectural  excellence  of  the  building  as  for  the 
piety,  earnestness,  and  true  eloquence  of  the  pastor  who 
therein  presides.  Those  who  wish  to  attend  a  Presbyte- 
rian church  will  do  well  to  avail  themselves  of  an  oppor- 
tunity of  hearing  the  Rev.  James  W.  Alexander,  D.  D.,  the 
pastor  of  this  church.  The  style  and  manner  of  the 
reverend  gentleman  are  well  adapted  to  attract  the  young, 
especially  young  men ;  indeed,  we  have  sometimes  felt 
regret  that  his  ministrations  were  not  more  particularly 
accessible  to  this  large  and  important  class. 

Another  church  belonging  to  the  same  denomination  is 
that  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Potts,  situated  on  the  corner  of  Tenth 
street  and  University  Place.  Dr.  Potts  is  also  an  able  and 
eloquent  divine,  powerful  in  his  delivery,  cogent  and  at- 
tractive in  his  exhibition  of  truth.  Indeed,  as  a  graceful 
and  effective  preacher,  he  has  scarcely  a  superior  in  the 
city. 

We  next  notice  the  church  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Cheever,  on 
the  corner  of  Fifteenth  street  and  Broadway.  The  Rev. 
Dr.  is  a  distinguished  preacher  among  the  Congregational- 
ists,  and  attracts  a  large  audience  at  his  Sunday  evening 
lectures.  The  church  is  on  the  left  side  of  Union  Square. 
Crossing  the  Square  and  passing  up  to  the  corner  of 
Twenty-first  street  and  the  Fourth  Avenue,  we  come  to  Cal- 
vary (Episcopal)  church,  of  which  the  celebrated  Dr. 
Ilawkes  is  rector.  The  claims  of  Dr.  Hawkes  to  be  es- 
teemed a  powerful  and  eloquent  preacher  are  generally 
conceded,  and  as  a  proof  of  this  wo  need  only  refer  to  the 
throng  of  citizens  and  visitors  who  frequent  his  church. 

On  the  corner  of  East  Sixteenth  street  and  Rutherford 
Place  is  St.  George's  Church,  (Episcopal,)  under  the  pas- 


104 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


toral  charge  of  Rev.  Dr.  Ttnc.  The  church  itself  is  very 
fine,  containing  seats  for  about  three  thousand  persons, 
whose  view  of  the  preacher  is  not  hindered  by  the  inter- 
ference of  a  sinirle  column.  The  whole  interior  is  there- 
fore quite  unique,  and  has  been  well  compared  by  a  nau- 
tical friend  to  the  strong,  well  timbered  frame-work  of  a 
great  ship.  The  eloquent  divine  who  here  officiates,  pos- 
sesses a  voice  capable  of  filling  the  house  apparently 
without  effort 

Another  clergyman  of  the  Episcopal  church  also  worthy 
of  mention  as  an  attractive  and  forcible  preacher,  is  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Higbie,  who  unites  the  graces  of  an  accomplished 
rhetorician  to  the  charms  of  a  singularly  tuneful  voice  and 
an  engaging  manner.  Dr.  EL  is  one  of  the  assistant  minis- 
ters of  Trinity  Church,  and  preaches  at  St  Raul's  and 
St  John's  Chapels. 

The  Unitarians  have  also  two  eminent  preachers,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Bellows  and  Rev.  Mr.  Osgood — the  latter  of 
whom  is  pastor  of  the  Church  of  the  Messiah,  in  Broad- 
way, at  the  head  of  Waverly  l'laee.  Mr.  Osgood,  although 
a  young  man,  is  a  ripe  and  accomplished  scholar,  and  is 
noted  for  the  brilliancy  of  his  oratorical  gifts.  His  burst  of 
impassioned  eloquence  when  called  upon  for  a  speech  at 
the  Fennimore  Cooper  Commemoration,  will  not  soon  be 
forgotten  by  those  who  heard  it  Rev.  Mr.  Bellows' 
society  having  sold  their  church  in  Broadway,  will,  until 
their  new  building  is  completed,  occupy  a  hall  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Union  Square,  with  seats  free  to  all 
comers. 

The  Baptist  church  situated  in  Amity  street  near 
Wooster,  is  under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Williams,  a 
faithful  pastor,  a  varied  and  profound  scholar,  and  a  writer 
of  singular  force  and  beauty.  As  an  author,  Dr.  W.  is 
well  known,  having  presented  to  the  public  several  vol- 
umes. 

Another  clergyman  (of  the  Congregational  Church)  who 
should  not  be  passed  over  is  the  Rev.  Dr.  Thompson,  who 
laboriously  and  effectively  discharges  the  duties  of  pastor 
of  the  Tabernacle,  340  Broadway.  For  the  thoroughness 
of  the  preparation  for  his  pulpit  work,  as  well  as  for  his 
earnestness,  judgment,  and  taste,  Dr.  T.  deserves  special 
mention.    He  is  also  an  engaging  and  popular  preacher  to 


TEIXITY  CHl'KCn.   Pace  105. 


DESCRIPTION  OF  CHURCHES. 


105 


the  young.  The  gallery  pews  of  the  Tabernacle  are  free. 
We  would  also  mention  the  name  of  one  more  able  minis- 
ter of  the  Baptist  persuasion,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Weseott,  whose 
church  is  on  the  corner  of  Laight  and  Varick  streets,  fac- 
ing St.  John's  Square.  Those  who  attend  the  preaching  of 
this  gentleman  will  have  occasion  to  remark  the  simplicity 
of  his  manner,  and  his  earnest,  impressive  style. 

There  are  in  the  city  upwards  of  thirty  Methodist 
churches  enjoying  the  services  of  able  and  faithful  men, 
but  as  these  are,  in  the  arrangement  of  their  peculiar  sys- 
tem, settled  only  for  a  short  period,  it  is  not  thought 
proper  to  insert  their  names.  Those  who  desire  to  attend 
the  worship  of  this  denomination  of  Christians  will  find 
a  list  of  their  houses  in  the  appendix  to  City  Directory. 

The  Universalists  have  several  societies.  The  largest 
is  that  under  the  care  of  Rev.  Mr.  Chapin,  now  worship- 
ping in  the  church  in  Broadway,  between  Spring  and 
Prince  streets,  which  was  built  and  occupied  for  some 
years  by  the  First  Unitarian  Society.  This  church,  de- 
signed by  Lefevre,  has  a  most  beautiful  interior,  and  it  is 
always  crowded  with  listeners  to  the  most  popular  and 
eloquent  preacher  of  this  denomination  in  the  country. 

Seats  in  Churches. — It  may  be  added  for  the  informa- 
tion of  strangers,  that  seats  in  most  of  the  churches  may 
be  had  on  application  to  the  sexton  before  morning  ser- 
vice. There  is  usually  an  abundance  of  room  in  the 
afternoon. 


DESCRIPTION  OF  CHURCHES. 

TRLVITT  CHURCH,  (Episcopal.) 

Broadway,  opposite  Wall  street,  erected  in  1841-5. 
This  is  the  principal  church  building  belonging  to  the 
Episcopalians  in  the  city.  The  first  place  of  worship  in 
the  city  was  the  "Chapel  in  the  Fort,"  which  was  origin- 
ally the  Dutch  Church;  but  after  the  city  was  surrendered 
to  the  English  in  1064,  it  became  the  Episcopal  Church, 
and  was  called  "The  King's  Chapel."  In  IG'JO,  a  small 
square  building  called  "  Trinity  Church"  was  erected  on 
the  site  of  the  present  elegant  building  on  Broadway,  at 


IOC 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


the  head  of  Wall  street.  In  1735,  the  ehureh  edifice  was 
enlarged,  and  a  further  enlargement  took  jilace  in  1737, 
until  it  was  140  ft.-ct  long,  an<l  7(t  feet  wide.  In  177*1,  the 
edifice  was  destroyed  by  fire.  In  1788,  a  new  building 
wad  erected  on  the  same  site,  of  nearly  the  same  dimen- 
sions, which  was  taken  down  in  1839.  The  comer-stone 
of  the  present  building  was  laid  June  3,  1841,  and  the 
edifice  was  completed  in  184(5.  It  is  the  most  elegant 
church  in  the  city,  and  undoubtedly  the  most  costly  one. 
Its  cost  was  £338,000.  The  material  of  the  building 
is  a  fine  reddish  sandstone,  nicely  dressed.  It  covers  a 
large  space  of  ground,  measuring,  with  the  tower,  but- 
tresses, 4c,  not  much  short  of  200  feet  long,  and  is  more 
than  80  feet  wide;  and  yet  so  much  of  the  space  is  occu- 
pied by  the  tower  at  the  east  end,  and  vestry  at  the  west 
end,  and  space  for  the  chancel,  Ac.,  and  having  no  galleries, 
it  is  not  computed  to  accommodate  in  the  pews  more  than 
about  800  persons,  not  all  of  whom  are  able  to  hear  dis- 
tinctly either  prayer  or  sermon,  thus  demonstrating  the 
impropriety  of  erecting  such  a  building  for  the  uses  of  a 
Protestant  "church.  The  prospect  from  the  tower  is  very 
fine. 

The  walls  of  the  house  are  about  40  feet  high,  and  are 
highly  ornamented.  The  tower  and  steeple  at  the  east 
end  of  the  house  is  the  principal  object  which  engages  the 
eye  of  the  beholder:  and  whether  we  consider  its  comely 
proportions,  or  its  style  of  finish,  or  its  immense  height, 
towering  as  it  does  284  feet  into  the  air,  it  must  be  con- 
sidered a  noble  specimen  of  architecture,  and  a  fine 
ornament  to  that  part  of  the  city. 

The  highest  point  to  which  visitors  ascend  is  250  feet 
from  the  ground,  and  is  reached  by  308  steps.  Suitable 
resting-places  are  provided,  so  that  the  ascent  is  not  diffi- 
cult As  is  very  proper,  a  charge  of  one  shilling  is  made 
for  admission  to  the  6pire,  The  body  of  the  church,  at 
any  time  when  there  is  no  service,  may  be  seen  without 
charge. 

ST.  HARE'S  CnUKCII,  (EpisoopalJ 

Stuyvesant  street,  east  of  the  Bowery,  erected  in  1799. 
St  Mark's  Church  is  built  of  smooth  stone,  of  a  dark  gray 
color.    It  measures  about  100  feet  by  66.    A  school-room 


DESCRIPTION  OF  CHURCHES. 


107 


and  vestry  are  attached  to  the  rear.  The  steeple  is  on  the 
front  of  the  building,  facing  the  south,  and  is  very  lofty. 
It  was  built  in  its  present  form  in  1826.  The  exterior  of 
the  church  is  plain,  and  lias  a  venerable  appearance.  It 
stands  on  the  former  estate  of  Pctius  Stiryvesant,  the  last 
of  the  Dutch  governors,  and  his  remains  lie  in  a  vault 
under  the  church :  a  brown  tablet  on  the  east  side  of  the 
church,  outside,  marks  the  place.  The  remains  of  CoL 
Henry  Sloughter,  one  of  the  English  governoi-s,  lie  in  the 
same  vault,  and  those  of  Gov.  Daniel  D.  Tompkins,  in 
another  near  by.  The  heads  of  three  dynasties,  Dutch, 
English,  and  American,  are  thus  reposing  in  peace  together. 
The  Kev.  Dr.  Anthon  is  the  present  minister. 

ST.  GEORGE'S  CHURCH,  (Episcopal,) 

East  Sixteenth  street,  opposite  Stuyvesant  Square, 
erected  in  1849.  This  is  one  of  the  most  elegant  and 
commodious  church  edifices  in  New-York.  For  the  solidity 
of  its  walls,  the  grandeur  of  its  front  entrance,  and  for 
vast  capacity,  it  is  unequalled.  Not  a  solitary  column  is 
seen  supporting  either  roof  or  gallery,  and  the  effect  of 
this  arrangement  is  certainly  very  fine.  The  church  is  of 
the  Byzantine  order,  9-t  feet  wide  and  108  feet  deep.  The 
spires  have  not  yet  been  added,  but  when  complete,  the 
whole  will  be  massive  and  elegant. 

The  cost  of  the  church  was  $200,000  without  the  spires, 
which  will  involve  an  additional  expense  of  $50,000.  The 
Rectory  cost  $20,000,  and  the  Chapel  $10,000.  The 
ground  upon  which  the  church  stands  was  a  donation  of 
the  late  1'eter  G.  Stuyvesant 

ST.  PAUL'S  CIIAPEU,  (Episcopal,)! 

Broadway,  between  Fulton  and  Vesey  streets,  erected 
in  1706.  This  is  the  third  Episcopal  church  erected  in  the 
city.  It  is  a  venerable-looking  building,  of  dark  gray 
stone,  with  a  tower  of  stone  and  pointed  steeple  of  wood 
on  the  western  end,  opposite  to  the  main  entrance,  differ- 
ent in  this  respect  from  any  other  church  in  the  city. 

The  total  length  of  the  edifice,  including  the  portico  in 
front  and  tower  in  the  rear,  is  151  feet,  and  the  width  is 
73  feet    The  height  of  the  steeple  is  203  feet.    There  are 


108 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


two  bells  liaising  in  the  belfry,  which  once  belonged  to 
the  chime  in  Trinity-  Church. 

On  the  front,  facing  Broadway,  a  large  pediment  18  feet 
in  depth  is  displayed,  supported  by  four  Ionic  columns. 
In  a  niche  in  the  centre  of  the  pediment  is  a  carved  figure 
of  St  Paul  leaning  on  a  sword.  There  is  also  in  the  front 
a  slab  of  white  marble  inserted,  bearing  an  inscription  in 
remembrance  of  General  Montgomery,  who  fell  at  Quebec 
during  the  Revolutionary  War,  and  "whose  remains  were 
removed  to  New-York  by  order  of  the  State,  in  July,  1618. 
When  St.  Paul's  Chapel  was  built,  it  was  cpjite  at  the  out- 
skirts of  the  city;  and  the  year  in  which  the  foundation 
was  laid,  the  lot  on  which  it  stands,  near  the  eemeterv, 
was  ploughed  up  and  sowed  with  wheat  The  eemeterv  "is 
a  luge  plot  of  ground  extending  from  Broadway  to  Church 
street,  and  from  Fulton  to  Vesey  streeta.  It  is  now  filled 
with  tombs  and  single  graves,  and  contains  some  elegant 
monuments.  At  the  6ide  of  the  church,  and  near  Broad- 
way, an  obelisk  of  white  marble  has  been  erected  in 
memory  of  Thomas  Addis  Emmet,  the  celebrated  Irish 
barrister  and  patriot,  who  died  here  in  1827.  Inscriptions 
are  made  on  three  sides,  one  in  English,  one  in  Latin,  and 
one  in  Irish. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHAPEL,  (EnscoFiL.) 

Variek  street,  on  the  east  side  of  St  John's  Park,  erected 
in  1807.  The  sitnation  of  this  church  is  not  surpassed  by 
any  church  in  the  city,  and  the  building  itself  presents  an  im- 
posing appearance.  The  material  is  a'brownish  sandstone ; 
and  the  Corinthian  order  is  generally  followed  in  the  ar- 
chitecture. It  covers  a  large  space  of  ground,  being  from 
outside  to  outside  132  feet  in  length  and  80  feet  in  width. 
The  portico  in  front  is  about  20  feet  deep,  and  the  pedi- 
ment is  supported  by  four  large  columns,  which  stand  on 
a  platform  raised  five  or  six  feet  from  the  ground,  to 
a  level  with  the  floor  of  the  main  building. 

The  spire  of  the  church  is  said  to  measure  214  feet  and 
six  inches  from  the  ground.  The  side  walls  of  the  church 
are  considerably  ornamented,  and  a  heavy  balustrade 
passes  around  the  roof. 

A  long  building,  containing  three  Sunday-school-rooms, 
a  vestry -room,  and  other  rooms  for  various  societies  and 


BAPTIST  CHUECH.   Page  109. 


ST.  PATRICK  S  CATHEDRAL.  Page 


DESCRIPTION  OF  CHURCHES. 


109 


committees  connected  with  the  church,  is  attached  to  the 
eastern  end  of  the  main  building. 

FIRST  BAPTIST  CHURCH 

Corner  of  Broome  and  Elizabeth  streets,  erected  in  1841. 
The  congregation  removed  from  their  former  edifice  in 
Gold  street,  near  Fulton.  The  building  was  designed  by 
Mr.  Lefevre,  of  this  city,  and  does  him  much  credit  as  an 
architect,  The  walls  are  of  a  bluish  stone,  principally 
from  Blackwell's  Island,  and  from  the  old  meeting-house  in 
Gold  street.  The  window  lintels,  cornices  and  battlements 
are  of  brown  sandstone.  The  dimensions  of  the  house  are 
90  feet  by  7  5 — the  side  walls  42  feet  high,  and  the  apex  of 
the  battlements  71  feet  Rev.  Dr.  Cone  is  the  present 
minister. 

ST.  PATRICK'S  CATHEDRAL,  (Roman  Catholic,) 

Corner  of  Prince  and  Mott  streets,  erected  in  1815. 
This  building  is  very  spacious.  When  first  erected,  it. 
measured  120  feet  by  80;  since  which,  36  feet  more  have 
been  added  to  the  length,  making  it  now  156  feet  long, 
fronting  on  Mott  street  and  extending  to  Mulberry  street 
The  side  and  rear  walls  are  built  of  rather  rough  gray 
6tone.  The  front  is  of  red  freestone.  The  rear  of  the 
church  is  rather  more  ornamented  than  the  front.  There 
are  eight  large  windows  in  each  side.  The  interior  pre- 
sents quite  an  imposing  appearance.  There  are  no  gal- 
leries, except  an  organ  left  on  the  eastern  end  The  roof 
is  supported  by  twelve  large  pillars,  standing  each  alone,  and 
running  from  the  floor  to  the  high  ceiling,  and  on  each 
pillar,  far  above  the  pews,  four  large  globular  lamps  are 
suspended  The  windows  are  of  plain  common  glass, 
with  painted  blinds  inside.  There  are  few  ornaments 
except  around  the  altar.  The  floor  contains  about  200 
pews,  and  the  whole  house  will  probably  accommodate 
2,000  persons. 

CHURCH  OF  THE  nOLT  REDEEMER. 

A  new  German  Catholic  Church,  in  Third  street,  near 
Avenue  A.    The  neighborhood  is  not  an  agreeable  one  to 
any  of  the  five  senses.     It  is  a  wilderness  of  inferior- 
looking  brick  houses,  swarming  with   Germans,  men, 
10 


110 


CITY  Of  NEW-YORK. 


women,  iin.l  children — particularly  children.  From  this 
region  of  squalor  rises  the  largest,  one  of  the  costliest, 
the  most  Milking  and  impressive  ecclesiastical  edifices  in 
New-York.  From  the  street  to  the  top  of  the  cross  on  tho 
spire,  is  266  feet.  The  architecture  is  of  that  intricate 
and  elaborate  design  which  is  styled  the  Byzantine. 
Within  its  walls  there  is  space  for  3,000  persons  to 
sit,  and  for  another  thousand  to  stand.  There  are  stained 
windows,  broad  aisles,  marble  columns,  a  magnificent 
altar,  a  superb  ceiling,  and  numerous  confessionals.  A 
hundred  thousand  dollars  will  have  been  expended  upon 
the  church  by  the  time  it  is  finished;  and  at  its  side,  a 
convent  and  convent  schools  are  soon  to  be  erected. 

FIRST  <  II  ITU  II,  (Pkesdvterias.) 

On  the  west  side  of  the  Fifth  Avenue,  occupying  the 
square,  between  Eleventh  and  Twelfth  streets,  erected  in 
1845.  It  is  of  reddish  hewn  stone.  The  extreme  length  of 
the  building  is  119  feet,  and  the  breadth  80  feet  The 
height  of  the  tower  is  130  feet  to  the  top  of  the  cornice,  and 
thence  is  an  octagon  spire  of  stone  30  feet  to  the  pinnacle. 
Large  buttresses  between  the  windows,  seven  on  each 
side,  are  built,  surmounted  by  a  pinnacle  of  8  feet  in 
height.  A  battlement  of  stone  passes  around  the  roof. 
The  inside  of  the  building  presents  a  grave  and  dignified 
appearance,  very  becoming  a  house  of  worship.  The 
pulpit  and  pews  are  built  of  solid  black  walnut  The  ceil- 
ing is  rather  plain,  and  there  are  no  large  columns  in  front 
of  the  gallery.  The  height  from  the  floor  to  the  ceifing 
is  fifty  feet  There  are  124  pews  on  the  lower  floor, 
and  the  house  will  accommodate  from  1,200  to  1,500 
persons.  The  cost  was  about  $75,000.  Rev.  Dr.  Phillips 
is  the  minister  of  this  congregation.  This  church  for- 
merly worshipped  in  Wall  street,  on  the  spot  where  the 
first  Presbyterian  church  in  New- York  was  built  in  the 
year  171<j.  The  house  they  left  there  was  taken  down 
stone  by  stone  and  rebuilt  in  Jersey  City,  where  its 
tall  spire  may  be  seen  overtopping  all  other  buildings. 

GRACE  CHURCH,  (Episcopal.) 
Broadway,  above  Tenth  street,  erected  in  1845.    This  is 
one  of  the  most  splendid  buildings  in  the  city.  The 


DUTCH  REFORMED  CHUECH.   Page  112. 


F0UET1I  UXIVEKSALI5T  CHIKCU. 


Page  112 


DESCRIPTION  OF  CHURCHES. 


Ill 


material  is  white  marble,  hewn,  but  not  hammered.  It  ia 
built  in  the  form  of  a  cross,  and  of  a  highly  ornate  Gothic 
style.  As  viewed  from  Broadway,  we  are  first  presented 
with  a  lofty  tower  of  about  24  feet  square,  and  of  about 
110  feet  elevation  from  the  ground  to  the  cornice;  and 
from  thence  an  octagon  spire  of  wood,  running  up  nearly 
as  much  higher,  and  terminating  in  a  cross.  There  are 
three  doors  in  front,  two  of  moderate  size  and  one  very 
large.  Over  this  main  entrance  is  a  large  circular  win- 
dow, of  stained  glass,  and  two  tall,  oblong  windows  in 
each  side  of  the  upper  section  of  the  tower.  Entering  the 
building,  we  stand  at  once  amid  pillars  and  carved  work, 
and  have  all  the  colors  of  the  rainbow  brought  to  our 
vision  through  more  than  forty  windows  of  stained  glass, 
each  one  giving  some  different  hues.  On  a  line  with  the 
sides  of  the  gallery  are  sixteen  massive  columns,  eight  on  a 
side.  The  cost  of  the  building  was  §145,000.  The  congre- 
gation who  occupy  it,  once  worshipped  at  the  corner  of 
Rector  street  and  Broadway,  near  Trinity  Church.  Rev. 
Dr.  Taylor  is  the  present  minister. 

DUTCH  REFORMED  CHCRCII, 

On  Lafayette  Place,  erected  in  1839.  Lafayette  Place 
is  a  short  but  elegant  street,  parallel  to  Broadway,  on  the 
eastern  side  of  it  Towards  the  southern  end  of  it,  it  is 
crossed  by  Fourth  street,  and  on  the  corner  of  Fourth 
street  and  fronting  Lafayette  Place,  stands  one  of  the  Col- 
legiate Dutch  churches.  It  is  a  very  substantial  building, 
of  hammered  granite.  It  is  110  feet  long  and  75  feet 
wide.    It  was  erected  in  1839,  at  a  cost  of  about  §160,000. 

The  inside  of  the  church  is  very  handsomely  finished,  in 
a  style  of  what  may  expressively  be  termed  plain  elcjance. 
The  pulpit  is  of  solid  marble. 

The  Collegiate  Reformed  Dutch  Church  ia  the  oldest 
religious  establishment  in  the  city.  At  the  present  they 
occupy  three  houses  of  worship,  viz. :  the  "  North  Church," 
at  the  corner  of  Fulton  and  William  streets,  the  Ninth 
street  Church,  and  the  church  on  Lafaj'ette  Place.  The 
church  is  considered  as  one,  though  assembling  for  wor- 
ship in  three  places,  and  is  governed  by  one  Consistory. 
At  the  present  time  they  have  four  pastors,  viz. :  Rev.  Dm 
Knox,  Brownlee,  De  Witt,  and  Vermilye. 


112 


CITT  OF  NEW-VOM. 


ditch  UIVUEI  ciiincii, 

Washington  Square,  erected  in  1840.  The  great  fire  in 
New-York,  which  took  place  Dec.  16,  1835,  destroyed, 
arii.'iiL'  other  building,  the  "South  Dutch  Church,"  which 
stood  on  Garden  street,  now  Exchange  Place.  After 
tin  the  congregation  divided,  a  part  of 'them  building  a 
Chimb  m  Murray  ntrect,  while  those  who  had  removed 
"  up  town"  commenced  wor-hip  in  the  chapel  of  the  New- 
York  University,  pm<ha*ed  a  lot  on  the  corner  of 
WiL-hington  Place  and  Woostcr  street,  fronting  Washing- 
ton Square,  and  erected  a  very  handsome  edifice.  Hie 
Molding  is  of  dark-colored  granite,  rather  roughly  hewn, 
and  tn  nun  ring  80  feet  from  tlie  rear  to  the  tower,  and  C2 
feet  wide.  A  front  view  of  the  building  presents  you  with 
a  large  middle  door  and  two  smaller  ones,  one  "being  in 
each  tower.  The  Gothic  architecture  in  which  the  edifice 
was  designed  to  be  built  appears  more  prominently  inside 
than  outride.  Inside  arc  eight  large  pillars  supporting  the 
roof,  and  attached  to  the  front  of  the  gallery,  which  is 
handsomely  ornamented  with  carved  work.  The  organ  is 
very  elegant,  and  the  edifice  in  good  taste.  The  cost  was 
about  $80,000,  and  the  ground  8-14,000.  It  was  dedicated 
Oct  1,  1840.    Dr.  Hutton  is  the  present  minister. 

FOURTH  CXIVERSALIST  CIIlliCH, 

Broadway,  between  Spring  and  Prince  streets,  erected 
in  1845.  Tin's  edifice  was  built  by  the  First  Congregational 
Church,  (Unitarian,)  Iter.  Mr.  Bellows,  pastor,  and  was 
sold  in  1852  to  the  present  occupants  for  *'j0,000.  The 
former  society  are  abont  to  erect  a  new  church  on  the 
corner  of  Fourth  Avenue  and  Twentieth  street  The  lot 
occupied  by  the  church  runs  through  from  Broadway  to 
Crosby  street,  and  the  main  building  is  placed  on  the  rear 
of  the  lot,  which  removes  it  from  the  noise  of  the  great 
street  to  a  place  of  comparative  quiet.  It  is  built  of  brick, 
and  is  110  feet  long,  and  77  feet  wide.  It  is  a  very  lofty 
building,  being  about  70  feet  from  the  floor  to  the*  apex"; 
but  standing  back  from  the  main  street,  and  having  large 
buildings  all  around  it  it  is  scarcely  seen  from  Broadway. 
The  entrance  is  all  that  would  be  noticed  in  passing  it 
Entering  the  front  door,  there  is  a  long  passage-way  of  the 


CHURCH  OF  THE  MESSIAn.   Page  113. 


PEESBYTEEIAN  CHUECH.   Page  113. 


DESCRIPTION  OF  CHURCHES. 


113 


same  width  as  the  front,  and  about  ninety  feet  long,  which 
brings  us  to  the  main  body  of  the  church.  Over  this 
covered  passage-way  is  a  suite  of  rooms  occupied  as  an 
Exhibition  Picture  Gallery.  The  interior  of  the  church  is 
finished  in  more  complete  Gothic  style,  probably,  than  any 
other  building  in  the  city.  The  material  used  for  the  pews 
is  pine,  with  black  walnut  capping;  and  the  pulpit,  organ 
case,  and  all  the  other  fine  carved  work  is  pine,  painted 
a  beautiful  dark  oak  color.  There  are  140  pews  on  the 
lower  floor,  and  about  60  in  the  gallery.  The  large  pillars 
supporting  the  roof  stand  off  about  five  feet  from  the  front 
of  the  gallery,  which  has  a  very  fine  effect.  The  house  is 
beautiful,  and  well  worthy  of  attention.  Rev.  Mr.  Chapin 
is  the  present  minister. 

CHURCH  OF  TIIE  MESSIAH,  (Unitarian,) 

Erected  in  1838.  The  "Church  of  the  Messiah"  is  the 
Becond  Unitarian  church  in  the  city  of  New-York.  It  was 
commenced  in  the  year  1828,  and  was  under  the  pastoral 
care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lunt.  Their  house  of  worship  in 
Prince  street  was  consumed  by  fire  in  1837,  and  in  the 
following  year  a  new  edifice  was  built  in  Broadway, 
nearly  opposite  Waverly  Place.  Rev.  Mr.  Osgood  is 
the  present  minister.  This  building  is  a  very  substantial 
one.  It  is  built  of  rough  granite,  measuring  on  the  ground 
100  feet  by  74,  and  was  built  at  a  cost  of  $97,000.  It  is  a 
plain-looking  building,  with  a  square  front.  The  front 
presents  three  doors,  with  a  square  window  over  the  side 
doors,  and  a  large  round  window  over  the  main  entrance, 
and  circular  windows  in  three  sides  of  the  tower  above 
the  roof. 

The  finish  of  the  interior  is  rich.  The  walls  and  ceiling 
are  elaborate  in  finish  and  richly  painted. 

PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH, 

On  the  corner  of  University  Place  and  Tenth  street, 
erected  in  1815,  is  of  a  reddish  gray  stone,  well  smoothed, 
having  but  few  ornaments,  and  for  so  costly  a  building, 
presenting  a  rather  plain  appearance.  The  extreme  length 
of  the  edifice  is  116  feet,  and  the  width  65  feet,  including 
a  lecture-room  in  the  rear,  7  5  feet  by  25,  the  interior  of 
10* 


Ill 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


the  church  being  about  111  feet  by  65.  The  side  of  the 
building  in  Tenth  street  presents  six  large  Gothic 
windows,  and  three  small  windows  over  the  lecture-room, 
all  of  stained  glass.  In  the  front  on  University  Place 
are  three  Gothic  doors,  the  main  entrance  being  in  the 
tower,  and  one  on  each  side  in  the  body  of  the  church. 
A  large  (iothic  window  is  placed  over  the  main  en- 
trance, and  smaller  ones  over  the  side  doors.  The  tower, 
which  is  24  feet  square,  is  wholly  in  front  of  the  main 
building,  and  is  built  up  square  to  the  belfry,  which 
is  the  first  section  above  the  apex  of  the  roof;  above 
which  it  gradually  tapers  to  the  summit,  being  entirely  of 
stone,  and  terminates  without  a  vane,  184  feet  from  the 
ground.  The  building  stands  low,  being  raised  but  three 
steps  from  the  sidewalk,  so  that  it  does  not  look  as  lofty  as 
many  others  which  are  really  not  higher  than  this. 

There  are  124  pews  on  the  lower  floor,  and  04  in  the 
gallery  ;  and  the  space  over  the  lecture-room,  in  rear  of 
the  pulpit,  is  open  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Sabbath- 
school.  It  is  said  that  1,200  persons  can  be  accommodated 
in  the  house.  The  pulpit  and  pews  are  built  of  solid 
black  walnut,  exhibiting  much  richness,  but  it  renders  the 
house  rather  more  dark  and  gloomy  than  would  be  desira- 
ble. The  total  cost  of  the  building  was  §06,000.  The 
present  minister  is  the  Rev.  Dr.  I'otts. 

ST.  THOMAS'  CHURCH,  (Episcopal,) 
Corner  of  Broadway  and  Houston  street,  erected  in 
1826.  This  fine  old  edifice,  measuring  113  feet  by  62,  is 
built  of  Very  rough  small  stones,  and  was  more  than  two 
years  building,  being  commenced  in  1823,  and  finished  in 
the  early  part  of  1826.  When  erected,  it  was  considered 
as  the  most  purely  Gothic  structure  of  any  in  the  city.  The 
interior  in  entirely  destroyed  by  fire  in  1851.  It  lias  been 
rebuilt  with  a  little  alteration  in  the  front,  and  is  hand- 
somely finished.  The  house  will  accommodate  a  large 
congregation,  liaving  large  galleries,  and  238  pews  above 
and  below.    Rev.  Dr.  Neville  is  the  present  minister. 

FLOATING  CHAPEL,  (Episcopal,) 
Built  in  1844.    It  has  always  been  considered  that 
sailors  needed  something  a  little  peculiar,  and  hence  the 


ST.  THOMAS'S  CHUKCH.  Page  114. 


CHUECH  OF  THE  HOLY  COMSTONIOX.  Page  115. 


LEGLIsE  DU  SAINT  ESPEIT. 


DESCRIPTION  OP  CHUKCIIES. 


115 


idea  of  building  a  house  of  worship  for  them,  not  only 
distinct  from  other  people,  but,  if  practicable,  to  have  it 
a  floating  temple,  moored  in  some  dock,  so  that  "  Jack  in 
his  roundabout"  should  feel  perfectly  at  home.  This 
desideratum  was  accomplished  in  this  city  in  1S44,  when 
the  "  Floating  Chapel  for  seamen  was  built,  and  the 
Episcopal  "Church  of  the  Saviour"  organized  therein. 
The  chapel  is  built  of  wood  on  a  deck  76  feet  long  and  36 
feet  wide,  covering  two  boats  of  80  tons  each,  and  10  feet 
apart.  The  length  of  the  chapel  is  70  feet,  and  its  breadth 
30  feet.  It  has  a  plain  spire  rising  above  the  peak  of  the 
roof. 

The  interior  presents  one  middle  aisle,  with  a  row  of 
seats  on  each  side.  It  is  a  plain  room,  ornamented  a  little 
around  the  pulpit  and  altar.  It  was  built  by  the  Young 
Men's  Missionary  Society  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  and 
was  opened  for  religious  worship  February  loth,  1844. 
The  present  minister  is  the  Rev.  Mr.  Parker.  The  chapel 
is  now  moored  in  the  East  river,  at  the  foot  of  Pike  street. 

CHCJRCH  OF  THE  HOLY  COMMUNIOX,  (A  Free  Church,) 

Corner  of  Sixth  Avenue  and  Twentieth  street,  erected 
in  1845.  This  is  altogether  one  of  the  most  singular 
buildings  in  the  city.  It  is  built  of  well-dressed  granite 
in  the  form  of  a  cross,  having  a  projection  in  the  rear  of 
about  30  feet  wide  and  18  deep,  containing  the  pulpit, 
reading-desk,  &c.  The  total  length  of  the  building,  from 
the  front  door  to  the  extreme  rear  of  the  projection,  is  104 
feet,  and  the  breadth  66  feet.  Standing  by  the  pulpit,  on 
the  right  hand,  is  a  deep  recess  in  the  wing,  which  is  the 
organ  loft.  This  is  the  only  gallery  in  the  house.  In  the 
wing  on  the  left  hand  is  a  large  door  opening  directly 
into  the  street,  with  a  large  circular  window  over  it. 
This  is  shown  in  the  annexed  cut,  on  the  right  hand  of 
the  tower.  Another  principal  entrance  is  shown  on  the 
cut  at  the  left  of  the  tower,  and,  like  the  other  doors,  opens 
directly  into  the  street.  The  turret  is  on  the  south  corner 
of  the  building,  and  is  about  15  feet  square  within  the 
buttresses,  and  70  feet  high.  There  are  few  windows  in 
the  house,  and  no  ornaments  either  within  or  without.  The 
whole  floor  is  occupied  with  plain  oak  seats,  which  are 
all  free.  The  cost  of  the  building  was  about  §35,000. 
The  Rev.  Dr.  Muhlenberg  is  the  Rector 


lie 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


FIFTH  AVENUE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH, 

Fiftli  Avenue,  corner  of  Nineteenth  street,  (L)r.  Alex- 
ander'*,) erected  in  1853.  The  proceeds  of  the  pews  sold 
in  this  church,  with  the  amount  of  the  church  property, 
covered  the  entire  cost  of  the  church  and  lots.  The 
whole  amount  of  gales  exceeded  ?(*0,000.  The  pews 
unsold,  77  in  number,  have  been  rented,  reserving  seats 
for  the  Sunday  -school  scholars. 

FRENCH  CHURCH,  (EPISCOPAL,) 

Franklin  street,  corner  of  Church  street,  erected  in  1834. 
This  is  a  rich-looking  building,  of  fine  hammered  white 
marble,  measuring  100  feet  by  50,  and  built  at  a  cost  of 
$60,000.  It  has  neither  tower  nor  spire,  but  on  the  front 
a  deep  pediment  of  between  20  and  30  feet  in  depth,  sup- 
ported by  four  massive  pillars  in  front,  raised  on  a  platform 
six  steps  from  the  sidewalk,  and  two  others  far  under  the 
pediment,  one  on  each  side  of  the  main  entrance.  The 
front  of  the  main  building  is  plain,  with  one  large  door 
and  no  window.  On  each  side  there  are  three  long 
windows,  square  at  the  top.  The  congregation  formerly 
occupied  a  stone  building  in  Pine  street,  near  Nassau 
street,  which  was  erected  in  1704  by  some  French  Protest- 
ants, who  founded  their  church  upon  the  principles  and 
model  of  that  in  Geneva.  During  the  war  of  the 
Revolution,  the  interior  of  this  church  was  nearly  destroyed 
by  the  British  soldiery.  In  1794,  it  underwent  a  thorough 
repair;  and  in  1803,  the  members,  with  their  minister, 
joined  the  Episcopal  church,  and  from  that  time  have 
been  known  as  the  church  JJu  St.  Esprit.  The  encroach- 
ments of  business,  and  the  removal  of  families  from  the 
lower  part  of  the  city,  induced  the  sale  of  their  property 
in  Pine  6treet,  and  the  building  of  the  present  church. 
The  Rector  is  the  Rev.  Antoine  Verren,  D.  D. 

JEWS'  SYNAGOGUES. 

New-York  contains  13  synagogues,  in  which  this  an- 
cient people  maintain  their  peculiar  service,  ever  wor- 
shipping with  their  faces  towards  Jerusalem,  the  city  of 
the  great  King.  Two  of  the  finest  buildings  of  this  sort 
are  Shaarai  Tephila,  (Gates  of  Prayer,)  112  Wooster  street, 


SYNAGOGUE.  Page  116. 


PUBLIC  AND  WARD  SCHOOLS. 


117 


near  Prince,  and  Bnai  Jeshurun,  (Sons  of  Jeshurun,)  Greene 
street,  near  Houston.  By  a  usage  of  the  synagogue  the 
males  and  females  occupy  different  portions  of  the  house, 
and  to  this  order  visitors  must  conform. 

TRINITY  CHAPEL 

Is  situated  on  Twenty-fifth  street,  near  Broadway,  and 
extends  through  the  block  to  Twenty-sixth  street.  The 
entire  length  of  the  building  is  180  feet,  of  which  45  are 
due  to  the  chancel.  Width  of  nave,  54  feet;  of  chancel, 
38  feet.  Height  to  eaves,  50  feet,  and  to  ridge,  90  feet, 
with  a  fine  open  roof.  The  inside  walla  of  the  church 
are  of  Caen  stone,  brought  from  Normandy  in  Fi  ance — a 
material  of  an  agreeable  color,  and  easily  worked,  being 
soft  enough  to  be  cut  with  a  saw  or  knife.  The  windows 
are  of  richly  stained  glass;  the  ceilings  painted  blue,  and 
the  roof  timbers  covered  with  polychromatic  decorations. 
The  floors  are  tiled  throughout,  with  tasteful  ornamental 
patterns  in  chancel.  The  building  will  seat  about  800, 
its  cost  having  been  $80,000.  The  architects  are  Richard 
Upjohn  <fe  Co.   

EDUCATION. 

PUBLIC  AND  WARD  SCHOOLS. 

The  last  report  of  the  Board  of  Education  shows  that 
the  average  attendance  of  scholars  was  as  follows: — 

Average  attendance  at  Ward  Schools.   23,273 

Public  Schools   19,314 

"  "  Other  Corporate  Schools..  2,007 

Total   44,594 

The  number  of  children  who  attended  occasionally 
during  the  year,  is  about  100,000. 

We  recently  attended  an  examination  of  the  classes  of 
one  of  the  public  schools,  and  were  both  pleased  and 
astonished  at  the  amount  of  valuable  knowledge  possessed 
by  the  pupils.  Too  little  attention,  however,  is  paid  to 
the  physical  frame,  and  the  Trustees  need  to  be  reminded 
that  children  of  four  and  five  and  six  3'ears  of  age  require 
to  have  the  spinal  column  in  some  manner  assisted  when 
obliged  to  maintain  its  erectness  for  five  hours  a  day. 


118 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


Under  the  sharp  eye  of  an  experienced  teacher,  there 

seemed  a  real  danger  of  having  the  little  ones  drilled  to 
death.  The  chain  of  the  pupils  should  be  easy,  and  also 
provided  with  hacks,  and  the  strict  perpendicular  ought 
not  to  he  so  constantly  enforced.  Of  the  Ward  Schools, 
no  better  specimen  can  perhaps  be  named  than  No.  29, 
which  is  on  the  corner  of  North  Moore  and  Varick  streets, 
not  far  from  St.  John's  1'ark. 

The  building  occupied  by  this  school  is  among  the  most 
beautiful  and  commodious  school  edifices  in  the  city  ;  and 
the  facilities  for  the  acquirement  of  the  various  branches 
of  knowledge  taught  in  our  common  schools,  are  equal 
to  those  most  favored  by  the  selection  of  teachers. 
N.  W.  Starr,  Esq.,  is  the  Principal,  and  he  is  assisted  by 
twenty-four  others,  most  of  whom  are  females.  In  the 
male  department  there  are  450  pupils;  in  the  female 
department,  400;  and  in  the  primary  department,  600; 
total.1450. 

The  Managers  of  both  the  Public  and  Ward  Schools 
appear  to  be  zealously  and  conscientiously  devoted  to  the 
discharge  of  their  important  duties. 

It  should  be  added,  that  by  a  recent  act  of  the  Legisla- 
ture, the  two  school  systems  are  to  be  combined ;  the 
whole  being  placed  under  the  care  of  the  Directors  of  the 
Ward  Schools. 


SUPPOKT  OF  SCHOOLS. 


APPORTIONMENT  OF  SCHOOL  MONEYS  1853. 


To  the  Ward  Schools  

"  Public  School  Society's  Schools.  . 

"    Hamilton  Free  School  

"    Mechanics'  Society  School  

"    New-York  Orphan  Asylum  

"  Roman  Catholic  Orphan  Asylum. 

"  Leake  and  Watt's  Orphan  House 

"  Protestant  Half  Orphan  Asylum. 

"    Female  Guardian  Society  

"    House  of  Refuge  

"    Colored  Orphan  Asylum  


8150,695  93 


125,062  92 
236  51 
282  92 
1,095  95 
3,975  65 
1,431  99 
1,336  65 
362  60 
2,681  81 
1,601  72 


Total 


$288,764  65 


OLD  DUTCH  HOUSE.    Page  120. 


ANTIQUITIES  OF  NEW-YORK. 


AX  OLD  CHLKCII. 

The  "Swamp  Church"  stood  formerly  in  Frankfort,  cor- 
ner of  William  street,  having  been  erected  in  1767.  It 
•was  one  of  the  oldest  church  edifices  in  the  city.  St. 
George's  Church,  in  Beekman  street,  was  built  in  1752, 
nine  years  before  it,  but  iu  1814  was  burnt,  all  but  the 
walls,'  and  built  up  in  modern  style.  St.  Paul's  Chapel, 
near  the  Park,  was  built  in  1766,  but  the  interior  is  in 
modern  style.  The  Brick  Church  was  built  the  same 
year,  but  that  too  has  been  remodelled,  while  the  old 
"Swamp  Church"  retained  until  the  last  its  ancient  ap- 
pearance, inside  and  out.  The  land  east  of  it  was  origin- 
ally a  marsh  or  swamp,  and  hence  its  name.  It  was  built 
of  stone,  was  very  strong,  and  measured  about  sixty  feet 
by  thirty  four. 

This  building  was  erected  by  the  German  Lutherans, 
and  was  the  only  place  of  worship  in  the  city  which  was 
not  abused  and  torn  in  pieces  by  the  British  army  in  the 
time  of  the  Revolution  ;  for  it  was  here  that  the  Hessian 
troops,  who  were  generally  Lutherans,  attended  worship; 
and  it  is  not  unlikely  that  this  circumstance  saved  it. 
After  the  peace,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Kunze  officiated  here  for 
more  than  twenty  years.  In  the  year  1830  it  was  sold 
to  a  colored  Presbyterian  congregation,  but  was  at  length 
torn  down  and  its  site  occupied  by  stores. 

AX  OLD  MAXSIOX. 

The  ""Walton  Ilouse,"  No.  326  Pearl  street,  was  built 
in  1754  by  William  Walton,  a  prosperous  English  gentle- 
man who  resided  in  Hanover  Square.  This  then  splendid 
dwelling  was  built  out  of  town,  as  a  kind  of  country-seat. 
It  was  bequeathed  by  the  founder  to  his  nephew  William, 
who  was  one  of  His  Majesty's  Council  before  the  Revolu- 
tion. It  was  built  of  bricks  brought  from  Holland,  orna- 
mented with  brown  stone  water-tables,  lintels,  <fec. 

The  hall  was  an  ample  room,  and  the  staircase  of  large 
carved  work  gave  the  whole  a  most  imposing  air  of  aris- 
tocratic grandeur.    It  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  the  year 


120 


city  or  new-yowl. 


1854,  at  the  name  time  with  Harper's  Printing  Offices, 
am]  many  other  buildings  in  the  neighborhood.  It 
is  Baid  that  the  princely  style  here  maintained  by  the 
Wallons  excited  the  wonder  and  cupidity  of  the  English 
officers  who  came  to  this  country;  and  on  being  related 
by  t liein  to  the  authorities  at  home,  led  to  the  increased 
taxation  of  the  Colonies,  and  this  incidentally  contributed 
to  bring  about  the  devolution. 

\\  <>i.i>  dutch  Haunt  n  icio. 

The  out  exhibits  the  fashion  of  most  of  the  Dutch 
buildings  in  the  early  settlement  of  New-York. 

Tile  building  here  represented  stood  in  Broad  street, 
and  was  built  by  Peter  Minuit,  the  first  Governor  of  New- 
Ainsterdarn.  Ihis  house  was  built  in  1G29,  and  was  a 
famous  house  in  its  time.  The  greater  part  of  Broad 
6treet  was  originally  built  up  in  the  same  manner.  The 
houses  were  all  built  of  bricks  brought  from  Holland,  and 
were  constructed  with  the  gable  end  to  the  street,  and 
visually  with  a  sharp  and  pointed  root  There  is  scarcely 
a  building  of  the  kind  now  left  in  the  city. 


m:\v-york  banking  houses. 

Some  of  the  most  elegant  structures  in  New-York  are 
the  buildings — chiefly  in  the  lower  part  of  the  city — occu- 
pied as  banking-houses.  Hie  spacious  and  elegant  interior 
of  the  Metropolitan  Bank,  corner  of  Broadway  and  Pine 
street,  deserves  special  mention.  The  lots  upon  which  the 
building  stan  ds  cost  £ 1 1 0, 000. 

Those  buildings  which  cost  over  $100,000  are  as  follows : 

Bank  ofi^iferiea,  $160,000 

Bank  of  Sew-  York,  114,850 

Bank  of  State  of  New-York,     ....  130,477 

Manhattan  Company,   291,868 

Phenix  Bank,   133,751 

Bank  of  Commerce,  110,003 

Bank  of  North  America,  -----  110,205 
Bank  of  the  Republic,  (No.  1  Wall)  -       -       -  174,191 

Broadway  Bank,   126,856 

Metropolitan  Bank,   160,061 

These  are  all  in  'Wall  street  except  two  the  last  named. 


BENEVOLENT  SOCIETIES. 


I.  O.  OF  O.  F. 

The  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  number  Lb 
New- York  85  Lodges  and  twelve  Encampments,  embracing 
many  thousand  members.  The  processions  of  Odd  Fellows 
are  among  the  most  noted  of  our  civic  shows.  Several  of 
the  Lodges  also  own  a  fine  Hall,  on  the  corner  of  Grand 
and  Centre  streets,  erected  at  a  cost  of  8125,000;  the 
building  containing  a  number  of  large  and  elegant  Lodge- 
rooms. 

BRITISH  PROTECTIVE  EMIGRANT  BOARD  OF  THE  ST. 
GEORGE'S  SOCIETY  OF  NEW. YORK. 

Office,  86  Greenwich  street.  Established  1844,  to  pro- 
tect emigrants  from  fraud  and  imposition.  President,  Dr. 
John  C.  Bealcs,  (President  of  St.  George's  Society;)  John 
C.  Wells  and  E.  F.  Ward,  Secretaries;  Robert  Bage, 
Treasurer;  Charles  H.  Webb,  Superintendent.  Charles 
Edwards,  Counsellor  and  Solicitor  to  the  St.  George's 
Society. 

FREXCEC  BEXEYOLEXT  SOCIETY. 

Victor  Durand,  President ;  J.  P.  Barre  and  A.  Hoguet, 
Vice-Presidents;  L.  Boquet,  Treasurer. 

FRIEXDLY  SOXS  OF  ST.  PATRICK. 

Joseph  Stuart,  President ;  J.  B.  Dillon  and  George 
McBride,  Jr.,  Vice-Presidents;  C.  H.  Birney,  Secretary; 
C.  M.  Nanry,  Treasurer. 

GERMAX  BEXEVOLEXT  SOCIETY, 

(Witwen  and  Waisen  Institute.)  Jacob  Brombaeher, 
President. 

GERMAN  MUTUAL  ASSISTANCE  SOCIETY. 

J.  A.  F.  Rachau,  President ;  E.  A.  Sterneburgh,  Secretary; 
G.  H.  Koop,  Treasurer. 
11 


122 


CITY  OK  NEW-YORK. 


GERMAN  SOCIETY  OF  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORE. 

Office,  104  Greenwich  street  Established,  1787;  Char- 
tered, 1804.  President,  J.  C.  Zimmerman;  EL  E.  Ludewig, 
Secretary;  F.  Iloose,  Treasurer;  C.  P.  De  Greek,  Agent 

HEBREW  BEXEVOLEJ.T  SOCIETY. 

II.  Aaronson,  President;  Morris  Wolf,  Vice-President; 
Jolin  Leroy,  Treasurer. 

HIBERNIAN  INIVERSAL  BENEVOLENT  SOCIETY, 

No.  42  Prince  street  President,  Francis  O'Rielly;  Vice- 
President,  Cordelius  Doras ;  Secretary,  Francis  Flynn ; 
Kecording  Secretary,  James  Brady ;  Treasurer,  Francis 
Gilmore.  Number  of  members  about  200.  Object,  to 
relieve  members  in  sickness  and  defray  funeral  expenses. 

IRISH  EMIGRANT  SOCIETY, 

No.  51  Chambers  street  Employment  Office,  29  Reade 
street  Founded  1841,  to  afford  protection  and  employment 
to  Iri>h  emigrants.  President,  Gregory  Dillon ;  Treasurer, 
James  Stuart;  Corresponding  Secretary,  Edward  C.  Don- 
nelly ;  Kecording  Secretary,  Peter  Crerar.  Lawrence 
Keatings,  Employment  Agent,  29  Reade  street 

ITALIAN  BENETOLENT  SOCIETY. 

E.  F.  Forresti,  President;  M.  Pastacaldi,  Vice-President; 
G.  Cristadoro,  Treasurer,  Charles  Ferrero,  Secretary. 

MARINE  SOCIETY. 

(1770.)  Capt.  Charles  H.  Marshall,  President;  John  M. 
Ferrier,  N.  Briggs,  Vice-Presidents;  James  Copeland, 
Treasurer;  Henry  Russell,  Secretary.  Office,  115  Wall 
street 

NE W.ENGLAND  SOCIETY. 

Founded  1806.  Meetings  generally  held  at  Astor  Douse 
on  the  first  Thursday  of  every  month ;  annual  meeting,  22d 
of  December.  Officers:  Moses  BL  Grinnell,  President; 
Thomas  Fessenden,  Vice-President ;  J.  L.  Pope,  Treasurer ; 
Ephraim  Kingsberry,  IT.  S.  Commissioner's  Office,  City 
Hall,  Secretary.  The  objects  of  the  Society  are  friend- 
ship, charity,  and  mutual  assistance. 


FIRE  DEPARTMENT. 


123 


ST.  ANDREW'S  SOCIETY. 

Richard  Erwin,  President;  J.  J.  Palmer,  Adam  Norrie, 
Vice-Presidents ;  Robert  Hyslop,  Treasurer ;  John  Camp- 
bell, Secretary  ;  John  T.  Ferguson,  Physician. 

ST.  DAVID'S  BENEVOLENT  SOCIETY  OF  NEW- YOKE 
AND  BROOKLYN. 

Charles  Miles,  President;  H.  P.  Edwards,  Vice-President; 
David  Roberts,  Treasurer ;  Thomas  R.  Jones,  Recording 
Secretary  ;  T.  J.  Jones,  Corresponding  Secretary. 

ST.  GEORGE'S  SOCIETY  OF  NEW- YORK. 

Established  1786.  Incorporated  1838.  Meeting  at  Astor 
House.  J.  C.  Beales,  President ;  Robert  Bage,  Treasurer ; 
Josh.  C.  Wells  and  Edward  F.  Ward,  Secretaries  ;  Charles 
H.  Webb,  Superintendent 

ST.  NICHOLAS  SOCIETY. 

Ogden  Iloffman,  President ;  Wm.  H.  Johnson,  Treasurer ; 
Charles  R.  Swords,  Secretary :  R.  E.  Mount,  Jr.,  Assistant 
Secretary. 


THE  NEW-YORK  FIRE  DEPARTMENT. 

The  department  now  comprises  45  engine  companies, 
64  hose  companies,  13  hook  and  ladder  companies,  and  3 
hydrant  companies,  numbering  in  all  3,137  members.  The 
strongest  engine  company  is  No.  14,  which  includes  70 
members ;  the  greatest  number  of  members  in  any  one  of 
the  hose  companies  is  25  ;  in  any  one  of  the  hook  and 
ladder  companies,  30  ;  and  the  most  numerous  hydrant 
company  is  No.  3,  which  has  30  members. 

The  whole  number  of  active  firemen  is  2,731. 


124 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK- 


i 

MISCELLANEOUS  ITEMS. 

<  1 1  v  PAXK& 

Is  addition  to  those  more  fully  described  at  p.  62,  but 
which  our  limits  merely  allow  ub  to  mention  in  this  ptoce, 
are  Madison,  Hamilton,  BloorniDgdale,  and  Manhattan 
Squares.  The  location  of  several  of  these  may  be  seen 
by  referring  to  the  map. 

TABLE 

Exhibiting  the  aggregate  number  and  value  of  horses 

employed  in  different  occupations  in  New-York : 

xo.  VALUE. 

Horses  employed  in  omnibuses  and 


rail-cars,   "7,000  $700,000 

Horses  employed  in  hacking   3,500  625,000 

Horses  owned  by  licensed  cartmen,  4,000  400,000 

Grocers'  horses,   2,500  250,000 

Foreign  express  horses,   260  05,000 

City  express  horses,   40  3,000 

Horses  owned  by  milkmen,   1,200  120,000 

Horses  owned  by  soda-water  manu- 
facturers  210  21,000 

Bakers'  horses,   700  84,000 

Horses  owned  by  ice-dealers,   250  35,000 

Horses  employed  in  trucking   60  15,000 

Scavengers'  horses   120  12,000 

Ash  and  dirt-cart  horses,   1,500  135,000 

Pedlars'  horses,   500  25,000 

Butchers'  horses,   760  105,000 


Total,   22,540  §2,495,000 


T1IE  PAVEMENTS. 

The  citizens  of  New-York,  weary  at  length  of  being 
jolted  over  the  old-fashioned  pavements  of  cobble-stones 
which  still  maintain  possession  of  most  of  the  streets, 
determined  to  find  relief.  In  1846,  a  great  improvement 
was  made  by  the  introduction  of  what  was  called,  from 


BOUNDARIES  OF  WARDS. 


125 


the  name  of  its  inventor,  the  Russ  pavement;  and  which, 
thus  far,  has  met  all  the  opposition  of  heat  and  cold,  sud- 
den changes,  and  immense  use,  without  injury. 

The  plan,  however,  is  very  expensive.  It  requires 
large  blocks  of  stone  about  ten  inches  in  depth,  laid  dia- 
gonally with  the  wheel  track,  and  resting  on  a  substratum 
of  concrete,  which  again  rests  upon  a  foundation  of  granite 
chips;  the  whole  forming  a  consolidated  mass  eighteen 
inches  thick,  so  arranged  as  to  afford  access  to  the  gas  and 
water  pipes.  It  has  been  fairly  tested  on  Broadway. 
Another  pavement  is  called,  also  from  the  name  of  its  in- 
ventor, the  Perrine.  The  peculiarity  of  this  consists  in 
combining  a  smooth  wheel-track  with  a  rough  way  for 
the  horses,  as  may  be  seen,  should  there  be  any  yet  remain- 
ing, in  Broadway,  between  Franklin  street  and  Cannl. 

The  cobble-stone  portion  of  the  Perrine  is  to  be  replaced 
with  granite  blocks,  laid  by  Deghue  ;  an  experiment,  the 
success  of  which  is  yet  to  be  achieved. 

The  cost  of  the  Deghue  is  S3  85  a  yard ;  that  of  the 
Perrine,  about  $6  00  ;  while  the  Russ,  costing  nearly  as 
much  as  both  together,  is  probably  the  cheapest  of  the 
three. 

BOUNDARIES  OF  WARDS. 

First  Ward. — Bounded,  south,  by  Battery ;  east,  by  East 
river ;  north,  by  Maiden  Lane  and  Liberty  street ;  west, 
by  West  street. 

Second. — Bounded,  south,  by  Maiden  Lane  and  Liberty 
street ;  west,  by  Broadway  ;  north-west,  by  Park  Row ; 
Borth-east,  by  Spruce  and  Ferry  streets  and  Peek  Slip  : 
east,  by  East  river. 

Hard. — Bounded,  south,  by  Liberty  street ;  west,  by  "West 
street ;  north,  by  Reade  street ;  east,  by  Broadway. 

Fourth. — Bounded,  south-westerl}-,  by  Spruce  street,  Ferry 
street,  and  Peck  Slip ;  east,  by  South  street ;  and  north- 
easterly, by  Catharine  street. 

Fifth. — Bounded,  south,  by  Reade  street;  west,  by  West 
street;  north-easterly,  by  Canal  street;  east,  by  Broad- 
way. 

Sixth. — Bounded,  south,  by  Park  Row  and  Chatham  street; 
11* 


12G 


f*ITY  OF  NEW-YOWC. 


east,  by  Bowery  ;  north,  by  Walker  and  Canal  street* 

west,  by  Broadway. 

Seventh. — Bounded,  south-westerly,  by  Catharine  street; 
north-westerly,  by  Division  and  Grand  streets;  east, 
by  East  river;  south-westerly,  by  South  street. 

Eighth, — Bounded,  south,  by  Canal  street ;  west,  by  West 
Street;  north,  by  Hainersley  and  Houston;  east,  by 
Broadway. 

Ninth. — Bonded,  south,  by  Hamersley  street;  east,  by 
Hancock  and  Bleeeker  streets,  and  Sixth  Avenue  ;  north, 
by  Fourteenth  street. 

Tenth. — Bounded,  west,  by  Bowery;  north,  by  Rivington 
street,  ea-t,  by  Norfolk  street;  south-easterly,  by 
Division  street. 

Eleventh. — Bounded,  west,  by  Avenue  B  and  Clinton 
street;  south,  by  Bivington  street;  east,  by  East  river; 
north,  by  Fourteenth  street 

Twelfth. — Bounded,  south,  by  Eighty-sixth  street;  west, 
by  North  Kiver;  east,  by  East  river,  (including  Ward's 
and  Randall's  Island ;)  north,  by  Harlern  river  and 
Spuyteri  Duyvil's  Creek. 

Thirteenth. — Bounded,  south,  by  Division  and  Grand 
streets;  west,  by  Norfolk  street;  north,  by  Bivington 
street ;  ea5t,  by  East  street 

Fourteenth. — Bounded,  south,  by  Walker  and  Canal 
streets;  west,  by  Broadway  ;  north,  by  Houston  street; 
east,  by  Broadway. 

Fifteenth. — Bounded,  south,  by  Houston  street ;  west,  by 
Hancock  and  Bleeckcr  streets  and  Sixth  Avenue  ;  north, 

by  Fourteenth  street. 

Sixteenth. — Bounded,  south,  by  Fourteenth  6treet;  west, 
by  North  river;  north,  by  Twenty-sixth  street;  east,  by 
Sixth  Aveuue. 

Seventeenth. — Bounded,  60Uth,  by  Rivington  street ;  east, 
by  Clinton  street  and  Avenue  B ;  north,  by  Fourteenth 
6treet ;  west,  by  Bowery  and  Fourth  Avenue. 


TABLE  OF  DISTANCES. 


127 


Eighteenth. — Bounded,  south,  by  Fourteenth  street ;  west, 
by  Sixth  Avenue;  North,  by  Fortieth  street;  east,  by 
East  river. 

Nineteenth. — Bounded,  south,  by  Fortieth  street ;  west, 

by  North  river ;  north,  by  Eighty-sixth  street ;  east,  by 

East  river,  including  Blackwell's  Island. 
Twentieth. — Bounded,  south,  by  Twenty-sixth  street;  west, 

by  North  river ;  north,  by  Fortieth  street ;  east,  by 

Sixth  Avenue. 


STAGE  LINES. 


Harlem  and  Yorkville,  every  half  hour,  from  23  Chatham 
street. 

Astoria  and  Yorkville,  every  hour,  from  23  Chatham 
street. 

Bloomingdale  and  Manhattanville,  leaves  every  40  minutes, 
from  Tryon's  Row,  corner  of  Chatham  street. 

Jamaica,  L.  I.,  Newtown  and  Flushing,  leaves  Fulton  Ferry, 
Brooklyn. 

Rodin,  Jfanhasset,  Great  Neck  and  Little  Neck,  from  340 
Pearl  street. 

DISTANCES  FROM  THE  CITY  II ALL  TO  DIFFERENT 
PUBLIC  PLACES  IN  THE  CITY,  ETC. 


From  the  City  Hall. 


MUes. 


To  the  Battery,  south  end, 

"  north  do.  J- 

To  foot  of  Cortlaudt  st.,  -J 
"        Barclay  st,  \ 
"        Chambers  St.,  \ 
"        Canal  st.,  1 
To  the  Old  State  Prison 

dock  \\ 

To  Fort  Gansevoort,  .  .  2 
To  the  Prot.  Epis.  Thco. 

Seminary,  1\ 

To  the  House  of  Refuge,  %\ 

To  Bcllevue  2£ 

To  the  Dry  Dock,  ...  2 


From  the  City  Hall. 
To  Corlaers'  Hook, 


Miles. 
•  li 

To  Catharine  st.  Ferry,    .  f 
To  Fulton  st.  Ferry,    .    .  £ 
To  Brooklyn,  foot  of  Ful- 
ton st  1 

To  Brooklyn,  foot  of  At- 
lantic st.,  2 

To  Brooklyn,  Citv  Hall,  2 
To  U.  S.  Navy  Yard,  .    .  li 
To  Williamsburg,   ...  2 

To  Jersey  City  1-J 

To  Hoboken,  ....  2 
To  Harlem,  8 


128 


CITY  OF  NEW- YORK. 


TABLE  OF  DISTANCES  IX  XEW-YORK. 


From 

To  Die    To  the 
City  Hall.  Battery. 

To  the 
Exch. 

Rector  street,  .... 

- 

i  mile. 

Fulton,  ..... 

- 

i 

i 

i 

T 

-  i 

1 

f 

■  i 

n 

1 

-  1 

n 

n 

-  1 

H 

H 

-  Li 

2 

i* 

Kinth,  

-  H 

2* 

2 

Fourteenth,  .... 

-  1* 

2± 

2i 

Seventeenth,  .... 

-  2 

2f 

2* 

Twenty-fourth,  - 

-  2i 

3 

2* 

Twenty-ninth,  ... 

-  n 

H 

3 

Thirty-fourth,  r 

-  2| 

H 

3i 

Thirty-eighth,  .... 

-  3 

H 

3i 

Forty-fourth,      -       -       -  - 

-  H 

4 

3| 

Forty-ninth,  .... 

-  H 

4* 

4 

Fifty-fourth,  .... 

-  3f 

*i 

H 

Fifty-eitrhth,  .... 

-  4 

4f 

44 

Sixty-third,  .... 

-  4i 

5 

4f 

Sixty-eighth,  - 

-  H 

5i 

5 

Seventy-third,  - 

-  4f 

-  5 

5+ 

5i 

Seventy-eighth,  -       -       -  - 

5f 

5i 

Eighty-third,  .... 

-  H 

6 

5f 

EMitv-eiehtii.  .... 

-  H 

6i 

6 

Ninety-third,  - 

-  oi 

Oi 

&i 

Ninety-eighth,    -      —      —  - 

-  6 

6£ 

il  1 

One  Hundred  and  Second,  - 

-  Ci 

7 

6f 

One  Hundred  and  Seventh, 

-  H 
*  7 

*i 

7 

One  Hundred  and  Seventeenth,  - 

7| 

H 

One  Hundred  and  Twenty-first,  - 

-  v* 

8 

One  Hundred  and  Twenty -sixth, 

-  It 

H 

8 

One  Hundred  and  Thirty-sixth,  - 

-  8 

8| 

8* 

One  Hundred  and  Fortieth, 

-  H 

9 

8| 

One  Hundred  and  Forty-fifth, 
One  Hundred  and  Fifty -fifth, 

Si 

9i 

9 

-  9 

9f 

n 

OMNIBUS  ROUTES. 


PItOPBIETORS.  ROUTES. 

rFrom  W.  48th,  cor.  Av.  9th,  through  Av.  9th 
...      .  „  J  to  Hudson,  through  Hudson  to  Canal,  through 

hipp  &  urown,  s  Canai  to  Broadway,  down  Broadway  to  Bowl- 

l  ing  Green 

I  From  42d,  Av.  6th,  down  42d  to  Av.  7,  down 

Kipp  &  Brown,  <  Av.  7  lo  Christopher,  down  Greenwich  to  Jer- 

(  sey  City  Ferry. 

("From  Grand  street  Ferry  through  Cannon  to 

„„„  „r    TT„,mo„    2d.  through  2d  to  A  v.  C,  up  A  v.  C  to  14th,  up 

George  W.  Holman  I  ]4[h  M  A  *  3  Ay  3  to'2GVh  to  Broadway,  up 
K  uo-' Broadwiy  to  3.'d,  to  Hudson  R.  R.  Depot,  to 

(.the  Crystal  Palace. 

y,       , ,   .  „  t  From  Second  A  v.  and  34th  to  14th  to  Broad- 

Reynolds  &  Greene,  \  way  „  Barc,av  3lreet  Fu,.ry 

Siney,  MrLelland  &  \  From  31st,  Av.  9,  to  14th,  thence  to  Broadway, 
Richardson,  /  thence  to  South  Ferry. 

p  m>  i  p^i  t  S  From  East  32d,  down  Av.  4th  to  Broadway, 
rums  &l  itooeris  j  doWQ  Broadwav  and  Whitehall  to  South  Ferry. 

„       ,,  .    I  From  W.  42d  and  W,  49th,  down  Broadway 

Cornell  t  Forshay,. .  j  and  vvhi!L.hall  to  South  Fc;,.y.  1 

r  From  E.  42d  and  Av.  3d  to  the  Bowery,  down 
Ryerson,  M'Elvaneyj  the  Bowery  to  Chatham,  down  Chatham  to 

&  M'Elroy,  j  Broadway,  down    Broadway  to  Whitehall, 

[down  Whitehall  to  South  Ferry. 

r  From  W.  31st,  (Hudson  R.  R.  Depot,)  cor.  Av. 
10th,  to  W.  14th,  up  W.  14th  to  Greenwich, 
Lugar,  Owens  4c  Ap- J  down  Greenwich  to  Spring,  through  Spring  to 

pluby,  i  Broadway,  down  Broadway  to  Broome,  up 

I  Broome  to  Bowery,  down  Bowery  to  Catharine 
I  Ferry. 

I  From  W.  3lst  down  Av.  10th  to  W.  23d, 

John  H.  Clark,  <  thence  to  Av.  4th,  th«nce  Bowery  and  Chatham, 

(  Broadway  and  Wall  street  Ferry. 

(■From  E.  16th  through  Av.  B  to  Tenth,  through 

.,„  .    ,  I  Tenth  to  \\.  A,  through  Av.  A  to  Eighth, 

Murphy  &  Smith,...  I  througJb  mm  „'„,  Ast^r  piact,  to  Broau?wav; 

(.down  Broadway  and  Whitehall  to  South  Ferry. 

J From  W.  34th,  cor.  Av.  6th,  down  Av.  6th  to 
and  through  Eighth  to  Broadway,  down 
Broadway  aud  Whitehall  to  South  Ferry. 


130 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


(  From  \V.  4Mb  cor.  A  v.  lib,  down  A  v.  6tb  U> 

V.  ung  II  Ward,  <  and  through  Ninth  to  Broadway,  down  Broad- 

(  way  and  Whitehall  to  South  terry. 

r  From  Tenth,  cor.  A  v.  C,  thrr  ugh  Tenth  to  At. 
I  I),  through  Av.  D  to  Lewis,  through  Lewtg 
Mackrell  U  Fimpw>u,\  and  Grand  to  East  Broadway,  down  East 
|  Broadway,  Chatham,  Broadway,  and  White. 
I  hall,  to  routh  Ferry. 

r  From  W.  42d  down  Av.  7th,  Greenwich  At.,  to 
Marshall  &.  Town-    J  and  through  At.  Oth  to  Amity,  through  Amity 

•end,  j  to  Broadway,  down  Broadway  to  and  through 

I  Fulton  to  Fulton  J'erry. 

rFrom  W.  42d  cor.  At.  5ih,  through  Av.  5th  to 
I  IV.  13th,  through  W.  13th  to  University  Place, 
Bolster,  Andrews  it.  1  through  University  Place  to  W.  llth,  through 

McDonald,   )  W.  llth  to  Broadway,  down  Broadway  to  Fui- 

l  ton,  down  Fulton  to  the  Ferry. 

("From  At.  C,  cor.  Tenth,  through  Tenth  to  At. 

Jiinmerson  &  Beers.  J  t,,roul!D  Av-  D  to  Columbia  and  Grand 
Jimmcrson  at  beers,.  <  t<)  th(j  Boweryi  down  lhe  Bowery  Chatham, 

I  Broadway,  and  W  hitehall  to  South  Ferry. 

(■From  Av  1.  cor.  E.  28lh,  through  At.  1  to 
Andrews,  Walinsley  1  Allen, through  Kivington  to  the  Bowery, down 

&  Co.,  ]  the  Bowery  lo  Chatham,  Chatham  to  the  South 

I  Ferry. 

.  o,__       j  From  Harlem  Bridge  down  A  v.  3d,  Bowery  and 
umfrnf  at.  i  iynn,...  j  CualDam  to  i;arnUfn's  Museum. 

i  ...    n  ii  <  S  From  Manhaltanville.  down  the  Bowery  and 

Luti,  Doll  &  Co.,. . . .  j  Cbaluum  t0  Try  on  Row. 

rFrom  Eleventh  near  At.  C,  through  Av.  C  to 
Surtlnw  Hnev  J  llousI°ni  through  Houston  to  the  Bowery, 
auaiow  i,.  iney,  ....<  d(iwn  thc  BowcrVi  Chatham,  Broadway,  and 

{  Whitehall,  to  South  Feny. 

n  r>:  ,„h;„„  i.  I  From  E.  6'st  a"d  At.  3d.  down  A  v.  31,  Bow- 
John  B.  Dingiedien  4c  )  ery>  an(j  chatnam  to  Pearl,  through  Pwrl  to 
u>-> (  Peck  Slip,  and  South  to  Burling  Slip. 

("From  Williamsburg  Ferry,  through  Grand 
William  Tyson  &    I  to  and  down  Broadway  to  Canal,  through 

Co,   |  Canal    to  Greenwich,  down  Greenwich  to 

ICourtlaudt,  to  Jersey  City  Ferry. 

,...„.          .  (.From  Twenty-Third,  down  Av.  8;h,  to  and 
l  inen,  Sanderson  &  ?  through  Bleecker  to  Broadway,  down  Broad- 
Kj°">  (  way  and  Whitehall  to  South  Ferry. 

rFrom  W.  42d  down  A  v.  8th  to  Fourth,  down 
Finch,  Sanderson  it.  J  to  At.  8th,  through  Carmine,  Bedford,  Hoiu- 

Co,  1  ton,  to  Broadway,  to  Maiden  Lane,  to  Fulioa 

L  Ferry. 


CITY  CAES. 


131 


("From  Houston  street  Ferry,  through  Second, 
,  T       .  .1  Bowery,  and  Bleeeker  to  Broadway,  down 

A.  Lcntfc  Mumtord,<  Broadway  to  and  through  Courtlaudt  to  Jersey 

I  City  Ferry. 

fFrom  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-Fifth  street, 
, ,     ...       ,     I  cor.  At.  4th,  through  One  Hundred  and 
Sheldon  &  Hynard,..^  Twenty.Fiflh  to  Av.  8th  ^  M  Comb's  Dam  to 

I  the  High  Bridge. 

t»t-ii.  ...  o  r>  \  From  Williamsburg  Ferry  through  Grand 
WuharaTyson&Co.,  j  ^  t0  tQe  eastera%ide  0\  Broadway. 

fFrom  Crystal  Palace  through  Forty-Fourth 
|  street  to  Madison  At.,  down  Madison  At.  to 
Dewey,  Dingeldieu  &  J  Thirtieth  street  to  Third  Av.,  down  Third  Av., 

Co.,  I  Bowery  and  Chatham  street  to  Pearl  street, 

down  Pearl  street  to  Peck  Slip,  and  South 
I  street  to  Burliug  Slip. 


CITT  CARS. 


The  order  observed  in  mentioning  the  various  lines,  is 
taken  from  the  date  of  their  respective  charters. 


Harlem  Company's 


,'  From  Park  Row  to  Centre  street,  through 


Eighth  Avenue.. 


Ciiv  Cars  {  Centre  to  Grand,  through  Grand  to  Bowery,  up 

y   (  Bowery  to  Fourth  Avenue  and  27th  street. 

("From  Chambers  street,  up  West  Broadway  to 
Sixth  Avenue  Cars.  Canal,  along  Canal  to  Varick,  up  Varick  to 
£H^"To  Crystal  Pal-<  Sixth  Avenue  and  51st  street.  (Some  of  the 
ace,  I  Cars  of  this  line  start  from  corner  of  Broad- 

Lway  and  Canal.) 

("From  Chambers  street,  through  West  Broad- 
I  way  to  Canal  street,  through  Canal  to  Hud- 
I  son,  up  Hudson  to  Eighth  Avenue  and  up 
'  "j  Eighth  Avenue  to  51st  street.  (Some  of  the 
cam  of  this  line  also  start  from  the  corner  of 
{  Broadway  and  Canal  street.) 

j  Park  Row,  Bowery,  Third  Avenue  and  61st 
'  (  street. 

(From  Peck  Slip,  along  South  street  to  Oliver, 
through  Oliver  to  Chatham  Square,  through 
Bowery  to  Grand,  along  Grand  to  Allen  as  lar 
as  First  Avenue,up  First  Avenue  to  83d  Street, 
and  thence  on  Second  Avenue  to  Harlem. 
(Returning,  pass  through  Second  Avenue, 
Christy,  Grand,  Bowery,  Chatham,  and  Pearl 
i.  streets.) 


Third  Avenue. 


LOCATION  OF  PIERS. 


NORTH  EXTOL 


No.  1,  tool  Battery  Place. 
"  2,  3.  lift.  Battery  PI  4  Morris. 
"  4,  foot  Morris. 
-  a,  6,  6|,  bet  Morris  4  Rector. 
"  7,  foot  Kector. 
«  -.  -!,  bet  Hector  4  Carlisle. 
"  9,  root  Carlisle. 
"10,  "  Albany. 
"11,  het.  Albany  4  Cedar. 
"  12,  foot  Cedar. 
"13,   »  Liberty. 
"H,  bet  Liberty  k  Cortlandt. 
"10,  16,  foot  Cortlandt. 
"17,  bet.  Cortlandt  4  Dey. 
"IS  foot  Dey. 
"  19,  "  Fulton. 
"8n,  bet.  Fulton  k  Vesey. 
"  81 ,  foot  Vesey. 
"  88,  bet.  Vesey  k  Barclay. 
"8:»,  84,  foot  Barclay. 
"80,  foot  Robinson. 
"86,  foot  Murray. 
"  87,   "  Warren. 
"8S,   "  Chambers. 
"29,   "  Puane. 


No.  30,  bet.  Duanc  4  Jay. 
"31,  foot  Jay 
"38,    "  Harrison. 
"83,    "  Franklin. 
"84,    "  North  Moore. 
"30,    "  Beach. 
"3fi,    "  Hubert. 
"37,    "  Vestry. 
"371,  "  DesbroMei. 
»JBj    "  Watts. 
"39,  40,  foot  Canal. 
"41,  foot  Spring 
"  42,  bet  faring  4  Charlton 
"  43,  foot  Charlton. 
"44,    "  King. 
"45,    "  Ilamersley. 
"  46,    "  Clarluon. 
"47,    "  Morton. 
"43,   "  Christopher. 
"  49,    "  Amos. 
"00,    "  Charles. 
"01,    "  Perry. 
"02,    '•  Hammond. 
"03,   "  Bank. 
"04,   "  Troy. 


KAST  RiVFR. 


No.l,  2,  foot  WhitehalL 
"  8,      "  More. 
"  4,  bet.  More  4  Broad. 
"  6,    "  Broad  4  Coenties  slip. 
"  6,  7,  3,  Coenties  slip. 
"  9, 1»,  bet.  Coenties  4  Old  slips. 
"11, 12,  Old  slip. 
"13,  b  Old  si.  4  Gouverneur's  la. 
"  14,  foot  Jones'  lane. 
"  10, 16,  foot  WaU. 
"17,  foot  Pine. 
"18,    "  Maiden  lane. 
"19,    "  Fletcher. 
"20,  21,  foot  Burling  slip. 
"88,        "  Fulton. 
"  83,        "  Beekman. 
"24,  bet.  Beekman  4  Peck  slip 
"20,  26,  foot  Peck  slip. 
"  27,  foot  Dover. 
"23,  bet.  Dover  4  Roosevelt 
"29,  foot  Roosevelt. 
"80,  bet.  Roosevelt  4  James. 


"  31 ,  82,  foot  James'  slip. 
"83,        "  Oiver. 
"34,35.  "  Catharine. 
"36,37,  "  Market. 
"38,  (Z  Ring's)  bet.  Market  S 

Pike  slip. 
"39,  40,  foot  Pike. 
"41,  (Sectional  dock,)  bet.  Pike 

4  Rutgers. 
"  42,  43,  foot  Rutgers. 
"  44,        "  Jefferson. 
"  45,       "  Clinton. 
"  46,  bet.  Clinton  4  Montgomery 
"  47,  foot  Montgomery. 
"  48,  not  built. 
"  49,  foot  Gouverneur's  slip. 
"  00,  not  built. 
"51,  02,  foot  Walnut. 
"03,44,    "  Grand. 
"  55,  56,    "  Broome. 
"57,        "  Delancey. 
I  "53,  bet.  Rivington  4  Stanton. 


THE  CRYSTAL  PALACE. 


The  Site. — The  site  of  the  Palace  is  Reservoir  Square, 
being  the  unoccupied  half  of  a  plot  of  ground  1,000  feet  long 
by  nearly  500  wide,  reserved  by  the  city  for  the  purpose  in- 
dicated by  its  name.  It  is  four  miles  from  the  Battery,  and 
three  and  a  quarter  from  the  City  Hall,  but  most  con- 
veniently located  with  reference  to  travel.  The  depots  of 
the  Sixth  Avenue,  the  Eighth  Avenue,  and  the  Harlem 
Railroads,  and  the  upper  termini  of  some  dozen  lines  of 
stages,  are  in  the  immediate  neighborhood  ;  so  that  for 
five  or  six  cents  one  may  reach  the  place  from  any  part 
of  New- York,  and,  with  the  addition  of  ferriage,  from  the 
remotest  sections  of  Brooklyn,  Williamsburg  and  Jersey 
City,  without  so  much  as  two  minutes'  walking. 

Two  years  ago,  the  mile  square  which  is  now  the 
busiest  portion  of  the  city  was  almost  a  solitude.  A  walk 
to  the  Croton  Reservoir  involved  a  country  ramble.  There 
were  acre3  of  gardens;  vacant  blocks  overgrown  with 
stramonium  or  heaped  with  the  refuse  coal  ashes  of  the 
town;  old  hedges  that  once  marked  the  boundaries  of 
farms,  and  ditches  of  stagnant  water  arrested  the  pedes- 
trian, and  sent  him  a  long  retrograde  journey  to  some  of 
the  few  graded  streets.  Twenty  blocks  southward  was  the 
red  line  of  the  built-up  city,  advancing  like  fire  on  a 
prairie  against  the  wind,  and  devouring  with  its  brick-and- 
mortar  jaws  every  green  thing  in  its  way.  East  and  west 
were  broad  open  spaces,  dotted  with  a  few  old  houses,  and 
bounded  by  the  settled  portions  of  the  Third  and  Eighth 
Avenues ;  while  on  the  north,  three  or  four  public  institu- 
tions were  the  only  signs  of  habitation. 

The  Pla\. — After  securing  the  ground  and  appointing 
sundry  officers,  the  next  proceeding  in  order  was  to 
procure  plans  for  the  building.  Sir  Joseph  Paxton,  the 
architect  of  the  London  Crystal  Palace,  furnished  one  of 
singular  beauty,  but  the  shape  of  the  ground  upon  which 
it  was  to  be  placed  rendered  its  adoption  impossible. 
Many  other  plans  were  offered,  of  much  beauty  and  origin- 
Pi 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


ality,  ami  well  adapted  to  the  purpose,  from  which  the 
one  finally  adopted,  designed  by  George  J.  B.  Carstensen 
and  Charles  Gildemeister,  architects,  was  selected.  This 
plan  was  chosen  on  the  26th  of  August,  1852.  On  the  4th 
of  September,  the  masonry  contracts  were  signed,  and  ou 
the  20th  of  the  same  month,  the  principal  part  of  the  iron 
work  had  been  contracted  for.  The  contracts  for  the 
mason  work  specified  that  the  foundations  were  to  be 
ready  lor  the  erection  of  the  iron  work  on  the  21st  »f 
October ;  as  at  that  time  the  delivery  of  the  iron  work 
was  to  commence. 

The  piece  of  ground  upon  which  the  Crystal  Palace  has 
been  erected  being  nearly  square,  its  shape  is  unfavor- 
able for  architectural  purposes.  In  other  respects,  no 
better  spot  could  be  found  in  the  city.  The  main  features 
of  the  building  are  as  follows:  It  is,  with  the  exception 
of  the  floor,  entirely  constructed  of  iron  and  glass.  The 
general  idea  of  the  edifice  is  a  Greek  cross,  surmounted  by 
a  dome  at  the  intersection.  Each  diameter  of  the  cross 
measures  365  feet  5  inches  long. 

Content. — The  building  contains,  on  the  ground  floor, 
111,000  square  feet  of  space,  and  in  its  galleries,  which  are 
54  feet  wide,  62,000  square  feet  more,  making  a  total  area 
of  173,000  square  feet  for  the  purposes  of  exhibition 
There  are  thus  on  the  ground  floor  two  acres  and  a  halfj 
or  exactly  2  52-100;  in  the  galleries  one  acre  and  44-100. 
Total,  within  an  inconsiderable  fraction,  four  acres. 

Columns. — There  are  on  the  ground  floor  190  octagonal 
cast  iron  columns,  21  feet  above  the  floor,  and  8  inches 
diameter,  east  hollow,  of  different  thicknesses,  from  half 
an  inch  to  one  inch.  These  columns  receive  the  cast  iron 
girders.  The  second  story  contains  148  columns,  of  the 
same  shape  as  those  below,  and  17  feet  7  inches  high. 
The  dome  is  supported  by  24  columns. 

The  Iron. — The  quantity  of  iron  used  for  the  build- 
ing amounts  to  about  1,250  tons.  The  roof  covers  an  area 
of  144,000  square  feet,  and  is  in  part  tinned. 

The  GL.tss. — The  glass  for  the  Crystal  Palace  was  made 
at  Camptown,  X.  J.  The  Managers  made  a  contract  for 
40,000  feet,  one  eighth  of  an  inch  thick.  The  glass  is 
enamelled  by  a  new  process,  which  saves  the  necessity  of 
covering  it  with  cloth,  as  had  to  be  done  in  the  Crystal 


THE  CRYSTAL  PALACE. 


135 


Palace  at  London.  The  enamel  is  laid  npon  the  glass  in  a 
fluid  state  with  a  brush,  and  after  being  dried,  it  is  sub- 
jected to  the  intense  heat  of  the  kiln,  which  vitrefies  the 
coating,  rendering  it  as  fixed  and  durable  as  the  glass 
itself.  It  has  an  effect  similar  to  that  produced  by  ground 
glass,  being  translucent,  but  not  transparent. 

The  Fountains. — In  the  centre  of  the  Palace  rises  a 
beautiful  crystal  fountain ;  and  in  other  parts  of  the  build- 
ing small  fountains  of  cologne  and  essences  perfume  the 
air. 

General  Effect. — On  entering  the  building,  the  ob- 
server's eye  will  be  greeted  by  the  vista  of  an  arched 
nave,  41  feet  wide,  67  feet  high,  and  365  feet  long  ;  while 
on  approaching  the  centre,  he  will  find  himself  under  a 
dome  100  feet  across,  and  118  feet  high.  The  aspect 
of  the  building  is  entirely  different  from  that  of  the 
London  Crystal  Palace.  Its  form  affords  the  requisite 
scope  for  a  pleasing  variety  of  architectural  embellish- 
ment, by  which  all  monotony  can  be  avoided,  and  allows 
a  very  economical  use  of  the  ground.  The  rising  dome, 
independent  of  its  effect  in  the  interior  arrangement  of 
the  edifice,  will  give  height  and  majesty. 

Motive-Power. — Steam,  as  a  motive-power  for  the 
machinery,  is  generated  in  a  building  across  Forty-second 
street,  and  is  conveyed  under  the  street  to  the  building  in 
which  it  is  to  be  applied. 

The  Machinery  Department  is  in  a  building  adjoining, 
but  indf-pendent  of  the  Palace.  The  edifice  for  the  pur- 
pose is  seen  between  the  Palace  and  the  Reservoir,  with 
wings  at  each  end.  The  main  building  is  about  400  feet 
long,  by  24  wide,  and  50  high,  divided  into  two  stories, 
and  covered  with  glass.  The  wings  are  each  100  feet 
long,  by  27  wide,  and  one  story  high,  and,  together  with 
the  first  story  of  the  main  building,  are  filled  with  moving 
machinery;  thus  making  a  grand  hall  of  mechanism  of 
600  feet  in  length.  This  building  also  serves  to  separate 
the  Reservoir  and  the  Palace. 


BOOKSTORE 

OF 

C.  S.  FRANCIS  &  CO., 

BOOKSELLERS,  PUBLISHERS,  AND  IMPORTERS, 

252  BROADWAY. 

Strangers,  as  well  as  Citizen?,  will  And  this  a  pleasant  place  of  re- 
fort  at  all  times  of  day  and  evening. 

The  Booutobk  is  supplied  with  all  the  publications  of  the  day,  as 
well  as  a  large  stock  of  Standard  Books,  English  and  American.  In- 
dividuals or  Libraries  supplied  with  every  book  in  the  market. 

C.  S.  V.  k  Co.  are  agents  for  the  principal  Reviews  and  Magazines 
published  In  the  United  State-,  and  they  import  all  the  British  periodi- 
cals, of  which  a  list  may  be  had  on  application.  They  also  have  an 
Agency  in  London,  and  import  books  by  every  steamer.  Orders  sent 
out  weekly,  and  filled  with  expedition  and  cheapness. 

C.  S.  F.  &  Co.  are  the  publishers  of  The  Life  and  Writings  of  SIB 
WALTER  SCOTT,  consisting  of  his  Like,  by  Lockhart,  in  4  vols. ;  hi* 
Poems,  in  6  vols. ;  and  the  Waverlky  Novels  and  Tales,  27  vols.  The 
Poetical  Works  of  Wordsworth,  Coleriuge,  Mrs.  Hemans,  Mrs.  Nor- 
ton, Mr<.  Browning  ;  the  Writings  of  Maria  Ciiild,  and  many  other 
valuable  books. 

They  keep  a  very  extensive  assortment  of  Books  for  Young  People, 
nnd  are  constantly  receiving  new  books  in  this  department,  both  Eng- 
lish and  American.  They  publish  the  works  of  Maria  Edgeworth, 
Hans  Christian  Andersen,  Mary  Howitt,  Maria  Child,  Charles  and 
Mary  Lamb,  Mrs.  Giliaan,  Mrs.  Holland,  and  other  approved  writers 
for  Children. 

Stationery  of  all  kinds  for  sale. 


BOOKSTORE.    Page  13B. 


CITY  OF  BROOKLYN. 


This  town,  the  whole  of  which  is  now  included  within 
the  corporation  of  the  city  of  Brooklyn,  lies  upon  the  ex- 
treme western  part  of  Long  Island,  opposite  the  southern 
portion  of  the  city  of  New- York,  and  separated  therefrom 
by  the  East  river,  which  is  here  about  three  quarters  of  a 
mile  in  width.  The  pure  air  and  delightful  prospects  of 
Brooklyn  render  it  a  favorite  place  of  residence  to  persons 
doing  business  in  New- York,  and  it  is  nearer  to  the  busi- 
ness centres  of  the  latter  than  residences  in  the  upper  part 
of  the  city;  and  these  things  have  contributed  to  give 
it  a  very  rapid  growth.  The  increase  of  population  from 
1830  to  1840  was  20,837.  Its  present  population  is  about 
97,000. 

The  name  conferred  upon  this  town  by  the  Dutch  was 
Breucklen,  (or  broken  land ;)  and  in  the  act  for  dividing 
the  province  into  counties  and  towns,  passed  November  1, 
1685,  it  is  called  Breucklyn ;  nor  does  the  present  appella- 
tion appear  to  have  been  generally  adopted  until  after  the 
Revolution.  Many  changes  have  doubtless  taken  place 
upon  the  shore,  and  it  is  believed  that  Governor's  Island 
was  formerly  connected  with  Red  Ilook  Point.  It  is  well 
known  that,  a  short  period  previous  to  the  War  of  Inde- 
pendence, cattle  were  driven  across  what  is  called  Butter- 
milk Channel,  now  sufficiently  deep  to  afford  passage  to 
vessels  of  the  largest  class.  The  first  European  settler  in 
this  town  is  supposed  to  have  been  George  Jansen  de 
Rapelje,  at  the  Waalboght,  or  Waaloons  Bay,  during  the 
Directorship  of  Peter  Minuit,  under  the  charter  of  the  West 
India  Company.    In  a  record  in  the  possession  of  the  family 


138 


CITY  OF  BROOKLYN. 


of  the  late  Jeremiah  Johnson,  Esq.,  it  is  stated  that  the  first 
child  of  Rapelje  was  Sarah,  born  in  1 025— unquestionably 
the  first  white  child  born  upon  Long  Island.    Watson  says 
Bhe  was  born  on  the  9th  of  June,  and  honored  as  the  first- 
born child  of  the  Dutch  settlers;  also  that,  in  consideration 
of  such  distinction,  and  of  her  widowhood,  she  was  after- 
wards presented  with  a  tract  of  land  at  the  W'allabout.  In 
the  journal  of  the  Dutch  Council  in  1656,  it  is  related  that 
"the  widow  Hans  Hansen,  the  first-born  Christian  daugh- 
ter in  New-Netherlands,  burdened  with  seven  children, 
petitions  for  a  grant  of  a  piece  of  meadow,  in  addition  to 
the  twenty  morgen  granted  to  her  at  the  Waalc-Boght 
A  few  of  the  other  associates  of  Dc  Kapelje  were  Le  Es- 
cuycr,  Duryee,  La  Sillier,  Cershow,  Conscillaer,  Musserol; 
these,  with  some  changes  in  the  mode  of  spelling,  are  still 
found  among  us.    It  appears  by  the  Dutch  records,  that  m 
1634,  a  part  of  the  land  at  Red  Hook  was  the  property  of 
"Wouter  Van  Twillcr,  being  one  of  the  oldest  titles  in  the 
town.    The  earliest  deed  for  land  w,as  from  Governor 
Kieft  to  Abraham  Rycken,  in  1638. 

The  city  is  regularly  laid  out,  and  the  streets— with  the 
exception  of  Fulton  street,  the  oldest  in  the  city— are  gene- 
rally straight,  crossing  each  other  at  right  angles,  and  are 
from  fifty  to  sixty  feet  wide,  and  a  number  of  them  have 
creator  width.  A  large  number  of  the  streets,  including 
Ell  within  the  most  thickly  settled  parts,  are  paved  and 
lighted.  Many  of  the  streets  are  bordered  with  trees, 
giving  the  place  a  peculiarly  rural  aspect.  Fulton  street, 
originally  narrow  in  its  lower  portion,  has  been  amply 
widened;  and  is  bordered  with  ranges  of  lofty  brick  stores, 
and  presents  a  commanding  entrance  to  the  city.  No  city 
in  the  country,  of  its  extent,  is  better  built  than  Brooklyn, 
and  many  of  "its  houses  are  distinguished  for  a  chaste  ele- 
gance, and  some  of  them  are  splendid.  Brooklyn,  as  laid 
out  by  the  commissioners  appointed  by  the  State  Legis- 
lature is  sufficiently  large  to  become  another  London. 
The  thickly  settled  parts  have  no  public  squares  or  open 
grounds;  and  though  some  have  been  laid  out  within  the 
city  bounds,  thev  are  not  in  such  locations  as  to  add,  at 
present,  to  its  beauty  or  its  comfort  Many  of  its  princi- 
pal avenues,  however,  have  a  commanding  width,  and  its 
whole  appearance  is  open  and  airy ;  and  its  great  extent 


CITY  OF  BROOKLYN. 


139 


and  the  many  fine  situations  presented  in  its  outer  parts, 
will  probably  long  prevent  it  from  being  uncomfortably 
crowded  in  the  portions  now  most  thickly  settled. 

Brooklyn  was  incorporated  as  a  village  in  1816,  and  as 
a  city,  with  greatly  extended  limits,  in  1834.  It  is 
divided  into  nine  wards,  and  is  governed  by  a  Mayor  and 
a  Board  of  eighteen  aldermen,  two  from  each  ward,  all 
elected  by  the  people. 

Brooklyn  was  first  settled  in  1636,  but  it  did  not  choose 
regular  magistrates  until  1746,  though  some  kind  of 
authority  was  previously  established.  The  first  house  for 
public  worship,  which  was  a  Dutch  church,  was  erected  in 
1666.  Six  years  previous  to  this,  the  Rev.  Henrieus  Sel- 
wyn  had  been  installed  in  Brooklyn,  with  a  salary  of  600 
guilders,  or  §240,  one  half  of  which  was  paid  by  the  in- 
habitants, and  the  other  half  by  Fatherland,  or  Holland. 

FORTIFICATIONS. 

There  are  some  remains  of  fortifications  which  were 
thrown  up  by  both'  armies  during  the  Revolutionary  War, 
which  mav  still  be  traced  on  the  hills  in  the  back  parts  of 
Brooklyn.  The  principal  of  these  is  Fort  Greene.  This 
was  originally  a  large  fort  Many  of  the  embankments 
were  repaired  during  the  war  of  1812,  and  may  still  be 
distinctly  traced.  It  is  one  of  the  most  interesting  spots 
in  the  vicinity  of  New-York. 

THE  CITT  HALL. 

At  the  junction  of  Court  and  Fulton  streets,  one  mile 
from  the  Fulton  Ferry,  is  a  fine  structure  built  of  white 
marble  from  the  quarries  of  Westchester,  and  of  the  Ionic 
order.  Its  length  is  162  feet,  its  depth  102  feet,  and  its 
height  to  the  top  of  cornice  75  feet.  The  height  to  the 
top  of  the  cupola  is  153  feet.  The  building  is  on  one  side 
of  a  triangular  park.    Its  cost  was  about  $200,000. 

THE  POST  OFFICE 

Is  situated  in  Court  street,  opposite  the  City  Hall,  and 
is  a  creditable  building,  well  adapted  for  its  purpose. 
The  mail  between  Brooklyn  and  New- York  arrives  and 
departs  many  times  in  the  day  ;  the  exact  hours,  which 
vary  at  different  seasons,  may  be  learned  on  reference  to 
the  Brooklyn  City  Directory. 


110 


CITY  OF  BROOKLYN. 


Till:  MANSION  HOl'HE. 

This  House  is  situated  on  Hicks  street,  Brooklyn 
Heights,  midway  between  Fulton  and  Wall  street  Ferries. 
It  commands  a  view  of  the  Bay  of  New-York  and  the 
country  around,  and  is  only  ten  minutes  from  the  Ex- 
change, via  Wall  street  ferry.  It  has  been  enlarged  and 
newly  fitted  up  expressly  for  transient  or  permanent 
boarders.  Omnibuses  pass  every  five  minutes,  to  and 
from  the  different  ferries.  It  is  a  pleasant  house,  plea- 
santly situated,  and  furnishes  accommodation  for  250 
guests. 

THE  GLOME  HOTEL, 

No.  244  Fulton  street,  occupies  a  front  embracing  four 
lofty  and  well-built  houses,  and  is  conveniently  situated, 
being  near  the  City  Hall,  Post  Office,  and  other  public 
buildings.  This  hotel  is  much  frequented  by  officers  of 
the  Navy.  It  contains  about  100  rooms,  and  is  a  popular, 
well-ordered  house.  Omnibuses  for  Fulton  Ferry  pats  the 
door  every  few  minutes. 

THE  BROOKLYN  ATnEXJiUM. 

The  Athenaeum  and  Reading-room  has  been  erected  by 
subscriptions,  mostly  from  persons  who  reside  in  what  is 
known  as  South  Brooklyn.  It  is  situated  on  the  corner  of 
Atlantic  and  Clinton  streets;  is  80  feet  by  90  feet;  three 
stories  in  height,  built  of  brick,  with  brown  stone  facings, 
and  cost  $G0,000.  The  first  floor  is  arranged  for  mercantile 
purposes.  On  the  second  floor  is  a  large,  well-lighted  and 
commodious  reading-room,  an  excellent  library -room,  and 
a  number  of  private  rooms.  The  third  floor  is  a  lecture- 
room  or  concert-hall,  which  is  capable  of  seating  about 
2,000  people. 

THE  BROOKLYN  SAYINGS  BANK, 

On  the  corner  of  Fulton  and  Concord  streets,  is  a  beau- 
tiful building  of  cut  freestone,  having  a  remarkably  neat 
and  attractive  appearance.  The  institution  is  managed 
by  careful  men,  and  is  in  a  prosperous  condition. 

THE  LYCEUM, 

On  the  corner  of  Washington  and  Concord  streets,  is  a 
fine  granite  building,  containing  the  City  Library  and  that 
intended  for  the  use  of  apprentices.  The  building  also 
contains  a  commodious,  well-arranged  leeture-room. 


CITY  OF  BROOKLYN. 


141 


ATLANTIC  DOCK. 

The  Company  which  own  this  extensive  work  was  in- 
corporated in  May,  1840,  with  a  capital  of  $1,000,000. 
The  shares  are  one  hundred  dollars  each.  It  is  situated 
on  the  water-front  of  the  Sixth  Ward  of  Brooklyn,  below 
the  South  Ferry,  within  "  Red  Hook  Point,"  the  outside 
pier  extending  3,000  feet  on  "  Buttermilk  Channel."  The 
basin  within  the  piers  contains  about  forty-two  acres, 
with  a  sufficient  depth  of  water  to  accommodate  the 
largest  ships.  On  the  piers  there  are  large  warehouses, 
many  of  which  are  of  great  strength.  Some  improvement 
of  this  kind  was  needed,  by  the  crowded  state  of  the 
do;ks  around  New-York  city,  and  the  difficulty  of  finding 
suitable  berths  to  unload  vessels  with  heavy  cargoes. 
The  Hamilton  Ferry  runs  from  the  corner  of  the  basin  to 
the  Battery  in  New-York.  The  whole  work  is  immense, 
and  is  well  worthy  the  attention  of  a  stranger. 

THE  NAVY"  TAKD, 

A  place  well  deserving  of  a  visit,  is  situated  on  "Walla- 
bout  Bay,  occupies  about  forty  acres  of  land,  and  is  sur- 
rounded on  the  land  side  by  a  lofty  wall.  The  Yard  is 
kept  in  admirable  order,  and  may  be  visited  every  day 
except  Sundays  by  making  application  at  proper  hours. 
For  a  particular  description  of  the  Naval  Dry  Dock  at  this 
place,  see  page  01  of  this  volume. 

Omnibuses  convey  passengers  to  the  Yard  from  Fulton 
Ferry,  Brooklyn  side 

AN  ELEGANT  PRIVATE  HOUSE. 

One  of  the  most  attractive  private  residences  in  either 
city,  is  that  on  the  corner  of  Clinton  and  Remsen  streets, 
occupied  by  Wm.  Spencer,  Esq.  The  house  is  of  cut 
stone,  in  villa  style,  and  is  quite  worthy  of  being  noticed 
by  the  visitor,  as  it  presents  an  agreeable  departure  from 
the  stereotyped  form  of  city  residences,  which  are  for  the 
most  part  mere  parallelograms  covered  with  brick  or 
6tone. 


CHURCHES  IX  BROOKLYN. 


Theue  are  77  churches  in  Brooklyn:  Episcopal,  17; 
Roman  Catholic,  7;  Baptist,  7  ;  Dutch  Reformed,  6  ;  Con- 
gregational, 10;  Presbyterian,  7;  Methodist  Episcopal, 
12;  African  Episcopal,  2;  Universalist,  Friends,  Congre- 
gational Methodist,  Primitive  Methodist,  Protestant  Me- 
thodist, Second  Advent,  Reformed  Presbyterian,  one  cajh  ; 
and  8  Unitarian. 

CHIKCII  OF  THE  IIOJ.Y  TRINITY. 

Tin's,  which  is  bv  far  the  most  costly  and  elegant  church 
edifice  in  Brooklyn,  and  indeed  capable  of  maintaining  a 
favorable  comparison  with  the  most  elaborate  churches 
of  the  neighboring  citv,  U  situated  on  the  corner  of  Clin- 
ton street  and  Montague  Place.  The  length  of  the  build- 
ing, with  the  tower,  chapel,  and  rectory,  is  196  feet. 
Height  of  nave,  63  feet.  Width  of  church,  including 
buttresses,  80  feet.  Length  of  chapel,  84  feet  Height  of 
tower  and  spire,  275  feet.  The  style  of  the  architecture  18 
Gothic,  very  elaborately  decorated.  Hie  windows  are  of 
richly-stained  glas?,  the  manufacture  of  Mr.  John  Bolton. 
The  window  in  the  chancel  depicting  the  Ascension,  and 
that  in  the  chapel  representing  the  Holy  Innocents,  are 
much  admired.  Cost  of  church,  $100,000;  of  rectory, 
$8000 ;  of  spire  (yet  to  be  completed)  $40,000.  The  archi- 
tect of  t.  i  elegant  and  imposing  structure  was  Minard 
Lafever,  Esq.    Rev.  W.  IL  Lewis,  D.D.,  is  the  Rector. 

CHURCH  OF  THE  PILGRIMS, 

Henry  street,  corner  of  Remsen  street  Erected  in 
1845.  The  Church  of  the  Pilgrims  is  a  Congregational 
bodv,  formed  after  the  pattern  of  the  churches  in  New- 
England.  The  church  edifice  is  a  very  singular  one,  and 
altogether  different  from  any  other  in  this  region.  It  is  a 
Tery  large  building,  being  in  extreme  length  135  feet,  and 
its  breadth  80  feet  The  height  of  the  walls  is  38  feet 
There  is  seen  in  the  centre  of  the  main  tywer,  about  six 
feet  from  the  ground,  a  piece  of  the  "  forefathers'  rock, 


CHCECII  OF  THE  SAVIOUR.   Page  143. 


CITY  OF  BROOKLYN. 


143 


from  Plymouth,  Mass.,  inserted  in  the  wall,  and  project- 
ing clearly  in  view.  In  each  side  of  the  house  there  are 
three  large  arched  windows,  that  being  the  style  in  which 
all  the  windows  are  made.  The  lecture-room  is  cut  off 
from  the  rear  of  the  building,  and  is  a  very  large  and 
commodious  room.  The  rear  of  the  building  presents  four 
short  windows  below,  and  one  large  one  above,  and  a 
small  circular  window  in  the  gable,  near  the  apex.  The 
cost  of  the  building  was  about  $50,000.  Rev.  R.  S.  Storrs, 
Jr.,  D.D.,  is  the  pastor. 

gk.ice  rumen, 

Brooklyn  Heights.  The  style  of  this  handsome  edifice 
is  that  known  as  Decorated  Gothic,  the  exterior  of  the 
building  being  of  wrought  stone,  and  presenting  an  at- 
tractive appearance.  The  interior  roof  and  columns  are 
of  wood  ;  the  whole  open  to  the  view,  and  exhibiting  a 
complete  system  of  framing.  The  nave  columns  have 
arch-braces  supporting  the  centre  roof,  the  aisle-roofs 
being  arranged  in  like  manner.  The  length  of  the  nave 
inside  is  85  feet,  its  width  and  height,  each  60  feet.  The 
chancel  is  28  feet  by  24.  In  addition  to  the  church  build- 
ing, there  is  a  chapel  measuring  60  feet  in  lengtli  by  22 
in  width.  A  tower  is  to  be  erected  on  the  south-west 
corner,  which,  when  completed,  will  be  a  conspicuous 
object  from  New-York  City,  and  from  various  points  in 
the  harbor  and  bay.  The  cost  of  the  church  was  §42,000, 
the  ground  having  been  purchased  at  $20,000.  The  Rev. 
Francis  Vinton,  D.  D.,  is  the  Rector. 

CHURCH  OF  THE  SAVIOUR,  (first  unitarian  congregational,) 

Pierrepont  street,  corner  of  Monroe  Place.  This  church 
is  built  in  the  perpendicular  Gothic  style,  of  red  sandstone : 
the  walls,  which  are  rubble,  from  the  quarries  at  Nyack, 
N.  J.,  and  the  ornamental  portions,  which  are  finely  ham- 
mered, from  those  of  Connecticut.  The  entire  length  of 
the  building,  exclusive  of  the  front  towers,  which  project 
eight  feet,  is  eighty  feet;  and  its  width,  exclusive  of  the 
buttresses  on  the  corners,  which  project  four  feet,  is  sixty- 
five  feet 

The  outer  doors,  of  elaborate  tracery,  open  into  the 
vestibule,  ten  feet  in  width,  extending  across  the  entire 


144 


CITY  OF  BROOKLYN. 


church,  with  stairs  to  the  basement,  ami  galleries  at  either 

end. 

The  roof  of  the  nave  is  elegantly  vaulted  and  groined, 
the  extreme  height  being  fil'ty-seven  feet;  that  of  the 
galleries  is  of  the  same  style,  the  height  being  thirty  feet 
from  the  floor  of  the  church. 

The  entire  co»t  of  the  building,  land,  furniture,  organ, 
and  external  items,  may  be  stated  at  about  thirty-six  thou- 
sand  dollars. 

Thf  church  was  consecrated  on  the  24th  of  April,  1844, 
and  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Frederick  A.  Farley,  was 
installed  on  the  following  day. 

C'llUIhT'*  t  ill  It (  II, 

Clinton  street  Erected  in  1R42.  Tliis  is  a  Gothic 
building  of  a  reddish  stone,  about  100  feet  long  and  60 
feet  wide.  The  height  of  the  walls  is  about  36  feet,  and 
the  extreme  height  of  the  tower  about  100  feet.  The 
tower  in  front  is  about  24  feet  square,  having  heavv  but- 
tresses on  each  corner,  built  to  the  top  of  the  roof,  and 
then  becoming  octagons  to  the  top,  ending  in  four  large 
pinnacles.  The  main  entrance  is  in  the  tower,  and 
smaller  doors  on  each  side  in  the  body  of  the  church. 
There  is  a  lar(:e  Gothic  window  over  the  main  entrance. 
In  the  tower  is  a  bell  and  clock.  The  body  of  the  house 
is  lighted  by  fifteen  windows,  seven  on  each  side  and  one 
in  the  rear,  with  buttresses  between  them,  running  to  the 
eaves,  and  there  terminating  without  pinnacles.  In  the 
rear  of  the  building  is  a  leeture-room  of  one  story,,  with  a 
flat  roof,  showing  above  it  the  large  pulpit  window. 
On  the  apex  of  the  roof  in  the  rear  there  is  a  short  stone 
cross.  The  cost  of  the  edifice  was  about  $28,000.  Rev. 
E.  H.  Canfield  is  the  present  minister. 

FIRST  REFORMED  DUTCH  CnCRCH, 

Joralemon  street.  Erected  in  1834.  This  church  is 
built  of  brick,  stuccoed  to  represent  clear  while  marble. 
The  extreme  length  of  the  building  is  111  feet,  and  its 
width  66  feet,  and  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  about  $26,000. 
It  is  a  noble-looking  structure,  and  presents  probably  one 
of  the  best  specimens  of  a  Grecian  temple  which  can  bo 
found  in  this  region.    Viewing  the  building  in  front,  we 


CITY  OF  BROOKLYN. 


145 


%re  presented  with  a  deep  pediment,  supported  by  eight 
Ionic  massive  fluted  pillars,  standing  on  a  platform  raised 
about  four  feet  from  the  ground,  and  two  similar  pillars 
within  these,  and  nearer  to  the  body  of  the  house.  A 
lighter  pediment  projects  in  the  rear  of  the  building,  sup- 
ported also  by  one  row  of  pillars.  The  house  is  lighted 
on  the  sides  only  with  eight  long  windows,  four  on  a  side, 
with  square  heads.  The  building  is  unornamented,  ex- 
hibiting a  plain  grandeur  well  becoming  the  purpose  for 
which  it  was  erected.  The  interior  is  also  plain.  Instead 
of  a  close  pulpit  there  is  a  table  or  reading-desk,  on  a 
raised  platform,  with  a  sofa  seat.  In  the  rear  of  this  is  a 
fine  perspective,  representing  a  recess,  with  a  profusion  of 
pillars.  It  is  well  executed,  and  the  illusion  very  perfect. 
Rev.  M.  W.  Dwight,  D.  D.,  is  the  present  pastor. 

PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

This  plain  but  commodious  building,  which  is  to  our 
mind  a  model  of  a  church,  is  situated  in  Orange  street, 
between  Hicks  and  Henry;  and  to  it  multitudes  resort  to 
listen  to  the  original  and  powerful  discourses  of  the  Rev. 
Henry  Ward  Beecher.  From  an  occasional  attendance  at 
this  church,  we  judge  that  it  has  during  the  past  five 
years  been  more  frequently  filled  to  an  overflow  than 
almost  any  other  church  edifice  in  either  New- York  or 
Brooklyn. 

There  is  in  the  building  a  large  and  powerful  organ, 
whose  notes,  together  with  the  voices  of  the  congregation, 
nearly  all  of  whom  join  in  the  singing,  resound  through  the 
large  building  with  fine  effect.  The  cost  of  this  church 
was  about  $45,000. 

FIRST  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH 

Is  in  Henry  street,  near  Clark,  and  is  a  fine,  commodious 
building,  having  lecture  and  session-rooms,  with  every 
arrangement  for  the  convenience  of  the  pastor  and  con- 
gregation. The  church  is  lighted  by  windows  of  clear, 
unstained  glass.  The  Rev.  Samuel  H.  Cox,  D.  D.,  is  the 
pastor. 

DUTCH  REFORMED  CHURCH, 

In  Pierrcpont  street,  is  a  large  edifice,  peculiar  from 
being  situated  in  the  middle  of  a  block,  and  having  no 


14C 


CITV  OF  UliOOKLYN. 


Bide  windows,  tin:  want  of  these  being  obviated  by  a  large 
circular  sky-liglit,  tastefully  arranged.  The  eburcli  is  in 
other  respects  Conformable  to  the  ordinary  style.  The 
Rev.  George  W.  Bcthune,  I).  J).,  is  the  pastor. 

hECOXD  I'KKMIiYlT.KI.YN  tlltRCII, 

Fulton  street,  corner  of  Clinton  street.  Erected  in 
1834.  This  is  one  of  the  largest  and  most  commodious 
church  edifices  in  Brooklyn.  It  is  built  of  brick  and 
stuccoed,  and  after  the  Grecian  model,  with  six  heavy 
Dona  pillars  supporting  the  pediment,  standing  on  a  plat- 
form raided  six  steps  from  the  sidewalk.  The  front  presents 
three  large  uniform  doors.  In  each  side  of  the  building 
there  are  six  tall  windows  with  square  tops,  having  flat 
pilasters  between  them.  On  the  roof,  back  of  the  pedi- 
ment) there  is  built  a  wooden  turret  about  forty  feet  nigh, 
divided  into  three  sections;  the  first  being  square,  the 
second  an  octagon,  anil  the  third  round  ;  the  upper  section 
having  several  windows.  This  turret  is  not  in  very  good 
keeping  with  the  building,  as  an  imitation  of  a  Grecian 
temple,  though  the  effect  is  not  bad  on  the  whole.  The 
steeple  contains  a  fine-toned  bell,  altogether  the  best  in 
the  city.  The  interior  of  the  house  is  plain.  It  contains 
about  one  hundred  and  forty  pews  on  the  lower  floor,  and 
has  a  deep  gallery  on  three  sides.  The  cost  of  the  build- 
ing was  about  $24,000.  Rev.  Ichabod  S.  Spencer,  1).  D., 
is  the  present  minister. 

ST.  AXX'S  CHURCH. 

No  description  of  the  churches  of  Brooklyn  would  be 
at  all  complete,  without  an  especial  mention  of  this,  which 
is  the  oldest  of  their  number,  and  perhaps  the  most  hon- 
ored of  all. 

St  Ann's  is  situated  in  Washington  street,  near  Sands ; 
13  an  unpretending  structure  of  brick;  and  although  large 
and  commodious,  has  very  few  of  the  decorations  now 
employed  in  the  arrangement  of  a  modern  church.  The 
churchyard  on  Sands  street  is,  however,  an  attractive 
feature,  presenting  to  the  eye,  during  the  summer,  a  re- 
freshing expanse  of  verdure. 

Rev.  Benjamin  C.  Cutler,  D.D.,  is  the  Rector,  and  Rev 
J.  D.  Cornell  the  assistant  minister  of  the  church. 


CITY  OF  BROOKLYN. 


147 


GKEEXWOOD  CEMETERY. 

OFFICE,  NO.  53  BROADWAY. 

TnE  grounds  of  this  institution,  originally 'consisting  of 
one  hundred  and  seventy-five  acres,  now  comprise  three 
hundred  and  thirty  acres.  They  are  more  extensive  than 
those  of  any  similar  institution  in  this  country  or  Europe, 
and  are  entirely  free  from  encumbrance. 

These  grounds  are  situated  in  Brooklyn,  on  Gowanus 
Heights,  about  two  and  a  half  miles  from  the  South  Ferry, 
at  which  place  carriages  may  at  all  times  be  hired  to  con- 
vey parties  to  the  Cemetery.  Omnibuses  also  run  to  the 
Cemetery  from  the  Fulton  and  South  Ferries,  conveying 
passengers  to  the  entrance  of  the  grounds  for  a  trifling 
charge. 

The  elevated  portions  of  the  Cemetery  afford  numerous 
and  interesting  views,  embracing  the  bay  and  harbor  of 
New-York,  with  its  islands  and  forts ;  the  cities  of  New- 
York  and  Brooklyn,  the  shores  of  the  North  and  East  riv- 
ers, New-Jersey,  Staten  Island,  the  Quarantine,  numerous 
towns  and  villages  in  every  direction,  together  with  a  view 
of  the  Atlantic  Ocean  reaching  from  Sandy  Hook  to  the 
Pavilion  at  Rockaway. 

The  various  avenues  in  the  grounds  (exclusive  of  paths) 
extend  about  fifteen  miles.  These,  together  with  the  prin- 
cipal hills,  dells,  etc.,  are  delineated  on  a  map  of  the  Cem- 
etery, which  is  published  in  portable  form,  as  a  guide  to 
those  not  familiar  with  the  grounds. 

Greenwood  Cemetery  became  a  chartered  institution  in 
1838.  Its  location  was  the  result  of  a  careful  and  exten- 
sive survey  of  the  entire  vicinity  of  New- York.  The  en- 
terprise, after  four  years  of  hard  struggle,  was  at  length 
placed  upon  a  firm  foundation,  and  the  Cemetery  was 
thrown  open  for  interments  in  1812.  From  that  time,  its 
history  has  been  one  of  uninterrupted  progress. 

Among  the  noted  monuments  in  the  Cemetery,  that  to 
the  memory  of  Miss  Canda  is  worthy  of  especial  remark, 
both  for  its  costly  beauty  and  for  the  sad  story  of  her 
whose  ashes  are  here  enshrined.  The  pilots'  and  firemen's 
monuments  are  also  of  deep  interest;  while  the  bronze 


148 


CITY  OF  BROOKLYN. 


statue  of  Clinton  will  soon  take  its  place  as  another  or- 
nament and  attraction  to  these  hallowed  grounds. 

We  must  not  fail  to  mention  the  grave  of  McDonald 
Clarke,  the  poet,  nor  the  rcting-placc  of  Do-hum-me  that 
gentle  Indian  maid  Both  sleep  hy  the  still  waters  of  the 
Sylvan  Lake.-  These  and  numerous  other  objects  of  inter- 
est will  be  pointed  out  to  the  visitor  by  the  attentive 
driver. 

LONG  ISLAND  UAILROAD 

Extends  from  Brooklyn  to  Greenport,  a  distance  of  95 

miles. 

The  whole  cost  of  construction  of  the  railroad,  includ- 
ing the  tunnel,  was  about  12,000,000. 

The  tunnel  under  Atlantic  street  is  2,750  feet  Ion*  and 
cost  jr!»*",,000. 

The  termination  of  the  Long  Island  Railroad  is  at  the 
South  Ferry,  in  Brooklyn,  through  Atlantic  street.  The 
land  being  somewhat  elevated,  it  became  necessarv  either 
to  cut  down  the  street,  or  construct  a  tunnel.  This  last 
was  done.  The  depth  at  the  highest  part  of  the  street  i'b 
about  30  feet 


TABLE  OF  DISTANCES. 

Comparative  table  of  distances  from  Merchants'  Ex- 
change, New-York,  to  different  points  in  Brooklvn  and 
New-York: — 
Brooklyn. 
To  Fulton  Ferry, 
"  Catharine  Kerry, 
"  South  "  - 

"  Jackson  ■ 
"  Henry  street, 
"  Clinton  " 
"  Court     "  - 
M  Boerum  "      -  - 
u  Smith     "  - 
"  Navy  Yard,  - 
"  Hoyt  street,  - 
"  Bond  " 
"  Powers  "  - 
"  Parroenter's  GardeD, 
"  Clinton  Avenue, 
"  Denton  street, 
"  Mount  Prospect,  - 
"  Bedford  Corners,  - 
"  Flatbush,  - 


Miles. 

New- York. 

X  Same  distance  as  Anthony  street. 

1 

do. 

Canal  " 

-  1 

do. 

Canal  " 

\X 

do. 

Houston  " 

■  1 

do. 

Canal  " 

IX 

do. 

Grand  " 

•  IX 

do. 

Spring  » 

«2 

do. 

Prince  " 

•  i% 

do. 

Houston  " 

i« 

do. 

Bond  " 

■  iy. 

do. 

Bond  » 

IX 

do. 

Fourth  " 

•  2 

do. 

Ninth  " 

2X 

do. 

Nineteenth" 

2X 

do. 

Twenty-fourth 

3 

do. 

Twentv-ninth. 

3X 

do. 

Thirty-fourth 

3X 

do. 

Thirty-ninth. 

5 

do. 

Sixty -eighth. 

